Which of the following occurs in atelectasis?
Atelectasis is when the airways or air sacs in the lungs collapse or do not fully expand. Atelectasis is usually reversible. However, without medical care, it can lead to potentially fatal complications. Show Atelectasis may affect both lungs or only part of them, with several causes and types. Around 90% of people who are placed under general anesthetic during surgery experience atelectasis afterward. Sometimes, atelectasis may also be called total or partial lung collapse. In this article, we look at the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook of atelectasis. The types of atelectasis sit within four categories based on the conditions that cause them. NonobstructiveTypes of nonobstructive atelectasis include:
ObstructiveObstructive atelectasis is also called resorptive atelectasis. An obstruction triggers a partial or complete lack of ventilation to the impacted area, though gas uptake into the blood still occurs. When all of the gas is absorbed, the air sacs eventually collapse as the obstruction prevents more gas from entering. PostoperativePostoperative atelectasis usually develops within 72 hours of receiving general anesthesia because of altered gas exchange during sedation. RoundedRounded atelectasis is less common than other forms. It occurs due to the folding of the lung tissue to the membranes covering the lungs and connecting them to the chest wall, known as the external pleura. People may refer to both atelectasis and pneumothorax as collapsed lung. However, although pneumothorax can cause atelectasis, they are different conditions. Pneumothorax occurs when air collects between the inner and outer membranes, or pleura, of the lungs. This triggers pressure that can cause the lungs to collapse. The potential causes of atelectasis depend on whether it is a nonobstructive or obstructive type. NonobstructiveCauses of nonobstructive atelectasis include: SurgerySedating medications for surgery, such as general anesthetic, change the way the lungs work, as well as the flow of gas exchange and ventilation. This can cause lung tissues or airways to collapse. Certain types of surgeries may also make it more difficult or painful to breathe deeply. This interferes with gas exchange and ventilation. About 90% of people who are given general anesthesia develop atelectasis. Pleural effusionPleural effusion occurs when fluid accumulates between the lungs’ inner and outer membranes, which can cause a partial or total collapse. This condition is commonly caused by acquiring an infection, inflammatory diseases, and malignant (cancerous) tumors. Lung damageLung damage or scarring can cause the lungs to shrink or become unable to expand fully. Conditions, such as tuberculosis, fibrosis, and other chronic destructive lung conditions, often lead to lung damage. Chest tumorsEither cancerous or benign (non-cancerous) tumors can put pressure on airways and lung tissues, potentially causing them to collapse. Surfactant conditionsA deficiency or dysfunction can reduce the surface tension in the air sacs, causing them to collapse. This is often due to conditions that arise from premature birth, including respiratory distress syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Airways or lung tissue defectsAbnormalities in airways or lung tissues can interfere with gas exchange, ventilation, surface tension, and how the lungs connect to the chest wall or fit within the chest cavity. PleurisyPleurisy occurs when the lung pleura become inflamed, rough, and sticky. They rub against one another instead of smoothly gliding during inhalation and exhalation. This condition may occur due to inflammatory diseases, infection, tumors, or other conditions known to cause inflammation. ObstructiveObstructive types of atelectasis occur when an object or abnormal growth physically blocks an airway or increases pressure on lung tissues or airways. Common causes of obstructive atelectasis include:
If a small portion of the lung or airways become affected, atelectasis may not cause any obvious symptoms. However, when the condition impacts a significant portion of the lung or airways, common symptoms of atelectasis include:
A doctor will normally diagnose atelectasis by asking someone about their symptoms, underlying conditions, medical history, and by performing a physical exam. A doctor will also use the results from a chest X-ray or other imaging of the chest, such as computed tomography or ultrasound scan. They may also diagnose the condition using bronchoscopy. This involves placing a small tube with a camera and light through the windpipe, bronchi, and bronchioles to see inside the lung airways. Common treatments for atelectasis include:
A doctor may also perform surgery for one or more of the following reasons:
There are several factors that healthcare professionals believe increase the risk of developing atelectasis, especially following surgery. They include:
Some methods may also help prevent the risk of developing atelectasis, especially before surgery or medical procedures involving sedation. Ways to prevent atelectasis include:
Atelectasis usually resolves itself with time or treatment, while lung or airway collapse is reversible. For example, most people who develop atelectasis due to surgery recover 24 hours afterward. However, if atelectasis is left undiagnosed or untreated, serious complications can develop. These can be potentially fatal, including but not limited to:
The outlook for someone with atelectasis depends on how serious their condition is, the root cause, and any additional underlying conditions. Atelectasis occurs when the air sacs, or alveoli, collapse or cannot fully expand. The condition typically develops after a person goes under general anesthetic, or if they have a condition that impacts the lungs or structures and organs surrounding them. Most people recover from atelectasis with proper treatment within 24 hours. However, without medical intervention, atelectasis can lead to serious complications, including death. What occurs during atelectasis?Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery.
What causes atelectasis in the lungs?Atelectasis is caused by a blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles) or by pressure on the outside of the lung. Atelectasis is not the same as another type of collapsed lung called pneumothorax, which occurs when air escapes from the lung.
Which of the following occurs during atelectasis of one lung?Atelectasis is a partial or complete collapse of the entire lung or a specific area, or lobe, of the lung, leading to impaired exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Atelectasis occurs when the alveoli (small air sacs) within the lung become deflated or fill with alveolar fluid.
Which of the following can cause atelectasis?Blocked airway: A blocked airway can also cause atelectasis. If air cannot get past the blockage, the affected part of the lung could collapse. Mucus or an inhaled object could cause a blockage. Other lung conditions: Other medical conditions involving the lungs can also be associated with atelectasis.
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