ATELECTASIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Collapse of part or all of one lung, preventing normal oxygen absorption.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Lungs.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Sudden, major collapse:

• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath; rapid breathing.
• Shock (severe weakness, paleness of skin, rapid heartbeat).
• Dizziness.

Gradual collapse:

• Cough.
• Fever.
• No other symptoms.

CAUSES--

Obstruction of small or large lung air passages by:

• Thick mucus plugs from infection or other disease, including cystic fibrosis.
• Tumors in the air passages.
• Tumors or blood vessels outside the air passages, causing pressure on airways.
• Inhaled objects, such as small toys or peanuts.
• Prolonged chest or abdominal surgery with general anesthetic.
• Chest injury or fractured ribs.
• Penetrating wound.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Smoking.
• Illness that has lowered resistance or weakened the patient.
• Chronic obstructive lung disease, including emphysema and bronchiectasis.
• Use of drugs that depress alertness or consciousness, such as sedatives, barbiturates, tranquilizers or alcohol.

> Increase fluid intake during lung illness or after surgery--by mouth or intravenously--

to keep lung secretions loose.

• Keep small objects that might be inhaled away from young children (peanuts are notorious).

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
• X-rays of the chest.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove tumors.
• Bronchoscopy (See Glossary) to remove foreign objects or a mucus plug.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Pneumonia.
• Small lung abscess.
• Permanent lung scars and collapsed lung tissue.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--

• Atelectasis is seldom life-threatening and usually resolves spontaneously.
• If atelectasis is caused by a mucus plug or inhaled foreign object, it is curable when the plug or object is removed. If it is caused by a tumor, the outcome depends on the nature of the tumor.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Cooperate with requests to turn, cough and breathe deeply after surgery. Hold a pillow tightly against surgical incisions during the coughing exercises.
• Stop smoking.
• Learn to perform postural drainage (See Glossary) after hospitalization. An inhalation therapist, nurse or doctor can demonstrate the technique.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe: Antibiotics to fight infection that inevitably accompanies atelectasis. Pain relievers for minor pain.
• Don't take sedatives. They may contribute to a recurrence.

ACTIVITY--Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

DIET--No special diet, but drink at least 8 glasses of water or other fluid daily to thin lung secretions.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of atelectasis.
• The following occurs during treatment: Distended abdomen. Sudden shortness of breath. Blue fingernails and lips. Temperature of 102F (38.9C) or higher.