Atelectasis
Concept and Etiology
: Atelectasis is a complete or partial collapse of
the lung. It is one of the most common respiratory complications
after surgery (Mayo Clinic, 2018). It occurs when the alveoli be
deflated or filled with fluid. This means the affect part of the lung
cannot take in oxygen for organs and tissues (Lasky, 2020).
atelectasis occurs due to one of three processes: compression of lung
tissue (compressive atelectasis), absorption of alveolar air (resorptive
atelectasis), or impaired pulmonary surfactant production or function
(Grott & Dunlap, 2019).
Classification
: atelectasis can categorize into obstructive, non-
obstructive, postoperative, and rounded atelectasis. 90% of cases are
post operative cases (Grott & Dunlap, 2019).
Clinical Manifestations (Symptoms and Signs)
: While in some cases
there is no symptoms with mild cases, more severe cases have
symptoms that are present and they are usually:
Difficulty breathing
Rapid, shallow breathing
Wheezing
Cough
Diagnostic Tests:
Chest X-ray, Chest CT and/or thoracic
ultrasonography are useful in the diagnosis of atelectasis. Atelectasis
can also be seen during a fibreoptic bronchoscopy (Grott & Dunlap,
2019.
References
Grott, K., & Dunlap, J. D. (2019, August 22). Atelectasis. Nih.gov; Stat
Pearls Publishing.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545316/
Lasky, J. (2020). Atelectasis. Salem Press Encyclopaedia of Health.
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Atelectasis - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atelectasis/sympto
ms-causes/syc-20369684
