In certain postoperative patients, epidural analgesia or an intercostal nerve block may be used to relieve pain without causing respiratory depression. Antitussive therapy should be avoided. Most importantly, the cause of atelectasis eg, mucous plug, foreign body, tumor, mass, pulmonary effusion should be treated. For persistent mucous plugging, nebulized dornase alfa and sometimes bronchodilators are tried.
N - Acetylcysteine is usually avoided because it can cause bronchoconstriction. If other measures are ineffective or if a cause of obstruction other than mucous plugging is suspected, bronchoscopy should be done. Smokers can decrease their risk of postoperative atelectasis by stopping smoking Smoking Cessation Most smokers want to quit and have tried doing so with limited success.
Effective interventions include cessation counseling and drug treatment, such as varenicline, bupropion, or a nicotine Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and various occupational Preoperative inspiratory muscle training including incentive spirometry should be considered for patients scheduled for thoracic or upper abdominal surgery.
After surgery, early ambulation and lung expansion techniques eg, coughing, deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry may also decrease risk. Atelectasis is reversible collapse of lung tissue with loss of volume; common causes include intrinsic or extrinsic airway compression, hypoventilation, and a malpositioned endotracheal tube.
A large area of atelectasis may cause symptomatic hypoxemia, but any other symptoms are due to the cause or a superimposed pneumonia. Diagnosis is by chest x-ray; if the cause is not clinically apparent, bronchoscopy or chest computed tomography may be needed. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world.
The Manual was first published in as a service to the community. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. Videos Figures Images Quizzes Symptoms. Symptoms and Signs. Key Points. Bronchiectasis and Atelectasis. Test your knowledge. Which of the following populations is most at risk of asbestosis due to exposure to asbestos?
More Content. Click here for Patient Education. Bronchoscopy or imaging tests can confirm a diagnosis. Atelectasis treatment can include breathing or coughing exercises, inhaled medicines, breathing devices, or surgery. Atelectasis usually gets better with time or treatment. However, if it is undiagnosed or untreated, serious complications can occur, including fluid buildup, pneumonia , and respiratory failure.
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Visit Children and Clinical Studies to hear experts, parents, and children talk about their experiences with clinical research. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Call for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Access myPennMedicine For Patients and Visitors. Patient Information. Conditions Treated A-Z. What is Atelectasis? Definition Atelectasis is the collapse of part or, much less commonly, all of a lung. Alternative Names Partial lung collapse Causes Atelectasis is caused by a blockage of the air passages bronchus or bronchioles or by pressure on the outside of the lung.
Atelectasis is common after surgery or in people who are or were in the hospital. Risk factors for developing atelectasis include: Anesthesia Use of a breathing tube Foreign object in the airway most common in children Lung disease Mucus that plugs the airway Pressure on the lung caused by a buildup of fluid between the ribs and the lungs called a pleural effusion Prolonged bed rest with few changes in position Shallow breathing may be caused by painful breathing or muscle weakness Tumors that block an airway Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following: Breathing difficulty Chest pain Cough There are no symptoms if atelectasis is mild.
Exams and Tests To confirm if you have atelectasis, the following tests will likely be done to view the lungs and airways: Physical exam by auscultating listening or percussing tapping the chest Bronchoscopy Chest CT or MRI scan Chest x-ray Treatment The goal of treatment is to treat the underlying cause and re-expand the collapsed lung tissue. Treatments include one or more of the following: Clap percussion on the chest to loosen mucus plugs in the airway. Deep breathing exercises with the help of incentive spirometry devices.
Remove or relieve any blockage in the airways by bronchoscopy.
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