Atelectasis

Atelectasis is the condition of partial or total collapse of a lung, thus leading to insufficient gas exchange. This results from the failure of the air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli, to fill up with air due to physical obstruction or pressure and other causes. It has two types: partial, where only a lung section is affected, and complete, where the entire lung collapses. It is normally seen after surgery or in patients with lung diseases. A mild degree is usually asymptomatic, while serious may lead to respiratory complications like pneumonia. 

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Symptoms

A few common symptoms of atelectasis are:

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty in breathing is one of the main symptoms of atelectasis, particularly affecting a large portion of the lung. It limits the amount of oxygen entering the body.
• Rapid Breathing: The breathing rate increases because the body tries to balance the effects of the collapsed lung or obstructed airflow by providing sufficient oxygen.
• Chest Pain: Individuals suffer from severe chest pain, particularly when taking deep breaths, due to the loss of lung function.
• Coughing: It is often linked with a persistent or worsening cough as the body tries to remove the obstructions in the airways.
• Low Oxygen Levels: Atelectasis reduces oxygen levels in the blood, resulting in dizziness, fatigue, or even cyanosis, a bluish tint of the skin in severe cases.

When to See a Doctor

It is very important to see a doctor if there is shortness of breath, chest pain, or if one has been coughing for time. It is especially true if the individual has just had surgery or suffers from lung disease and progresses rapidly. If left untreated, it causes serious complications like respiratory failure or pneumonia. At FitwellHub, we offer specialized care for respiratory issues.

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Causes

The following are the main causes of atelectasis:

• Mucus Plug: Accumulation of mucus within the airways blocks airflow, preventing the alveoli from being filled with air & leading to lung collapse.
• Inhaled Foreign Objects: When foreign items get stuck in the airways, especially in kids, they hamper breathing & lead to atelectasis. 
• Chest Trauma: Trauma or injury to the chest from a car accident or fall can crush or bruise the lungs or the tissue around it, causing an area of the lung to collapse.
• Post-Surgery Complications: After surgery, especially abdominal or chest surgery, atelectasis can occur because of shallow breathing and limited lung expansion.
• Tumors: Lung tumors or other masses can compress the airways and inhibit airflow, again forcing the lung tissue to collapse. 

Risk Factors

Major risk factors of getting atelectasis are:

• Lung Disease: Chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, or bronchiectasis increase the vulnerability of individuals. It also develops because of weakened lung function. 
• Age: Older adults are more prone to atelectasis, especially after surgery. It is because of reduced lung elasticity and weaker muscles of respiration.
• Prolonged Bed Rest: Prolonged periods of lying in the hospital bed may increase the chances of developing atelectasis as the lung expansion decreases and mucus builds up in them.
• Smoking: Smoking destroys the lungs and airways, increasing the risk of developing conditions like atelectasis, particularly after surgery or respiratory infections.

Complications

Several potential complications are caused by atelectasis if left untreated:

1- Pneumonia

The risk of developing pneumonia increases due to reduced lung function. It also decreases the lung’s ability to clear mucus from the airways.

2- Respiratory Failure

Severe atelectasis can result in failure of the respiratory system. It is because the body is not being adequately oxygenated, and this requires urgent medical attention.

3- Low Oxygen Levels (Hypoxemia)

If a large portion of the lung is affected by atelectasis, oxygen levels in the blood. It can become critically low, leading to dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.

4- Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)

In severe cases, atelectasis leads to complete lung collapse pneumothorax when air enters the space between the lung & chest wall.

5- Scarring in the Lungs

Chronic or untreated may also cause permanent scarring of lung tissues and progressive damage to lung function. 

In Pakistan, conditions like atelectasis, often linked to pneumonia and post-surgical complications, are becoming more recognized in medical practice. FitwellHub’s smart clinics provide specialized, tech-enabled healthcare solutions, ensuring comprehensive care and monitoring for patients dealing with atelectasis.

Prevention

The following preventive measures are adopted to prevent atelectasis: 

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises expand the lungs and prevent atelectasis, especially during recovery from surgery or prolonged bed rest.
• Use an Incentive Spirometer: An incentive spirometer is a device that encourages deep breathing and keeps airways open, helping to prevent atelectasis.
• Quit Smoking: By quitting smoking, the risk of lung diseases and atelectasis decreases due to clear airways.
• Manage Respiratory Conditions: Management of underlying lung conditions, such as asthma or COPD with prescribed medications, reduces the risk of atelectasis.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise improves lung capacity, reduces mucus formation within the airways, and lowers the risk.

At FitwellHub, we provide preventive care and pulmonary rehabilitation programs to help you maintain lung health. Visit our help page for more information.

Diagnosis

Atelectasis is diagnosed with a combination of imaging tests and physical examination to check lung function:

1- Chest X-ray

It is the first test used to diagnose atelectasis. It provides images showing the affected lung areas and any blockages.

2- CT Scan

A CT scan gives detailed images of the lungs that help doctors determine the causes and severity of the lung collapse.

3- Bronchoscopy

In bronchoscopy, a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the airways to check for blockages, like mucus plugs or foreign objects, causing atelectasis.

4- Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is used to measure the oxygen levels in your blood. It helps to evaluate whether the lung collapse is affecting the body’s ability to get enough oxygen. 

6- Lung Function Tests

Lung function tests are used to assess the ability of the lungs to function by measuring the airflow and lung volume, assisting doctors in diagnosing and monitoring atelectasis.

At FitwellHub, we provide advanced diagnostic services to detect and manage conditions like atelectasis. Visit our lab for more information.

Treatment

Depending on the underlying causes and severity of the disease, atelectasis treatment options include:

• Chest Physiotherapy: In chest physiotherapy, percussion and postural drainage techniques are used to remove mucus from the lungs to prevent lung collapse.
• Oxygen Therapy: To maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, particularly in severe cases of atelectasis, supplemental oxygen is provided to the body by oxygen therapy.
• Inhaled Medications: Nebulizers or inhalers containing steroids or bronchodilators are used to open the airways. These medicines improve airflow and reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: If a tumor or any other structural abnormality is the cause of atelectasis, then surgery is essential for removing the blockage to restore normal lung function. 

Medications

The following medications are commonly used in the treatment of atelectasis:

• Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators open the airways and ensure that air flows properly within the lungs to prevent further lung collapse.
• Steroids: Inhaled or oral corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in the airways. They allow the lungs to expand more easily.
• Mucolytics: Mucolytics loosen up and liquefy collected mucus; this makes it easier to cough up the mucus and prevent obstruction in the lungs.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used in case of a bacterial infection. 
• Pain Relievers: Pain relievers are used to relieve discomfort, particularly after surgery or chest trauma. They help individuals to breathe more deeply and prevent atelectasis.

At FitwellHub, our pharmacy offers a wide range of medications for treating atelectasis and related symptoms. Visit our pharmacy to explore available options and consult with our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)