What is Atelectasis?
Definition Atelectasis is a collapse of lung tissue affecting part or all of one lung. This condition prevents normal oxygen absoption to healthy tissues. Description Atelectasis can result from an obstruction (blockage) of the airways that affects tiny air scas called alveoli. Alveoli are very thin-walled and contain a rich blood supply. They are important for lung function, since their purpose is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When the airways are blocked by a mucous “plug,” foreign object, or tumor, the alveoli are unable to fill with air and collapse of lung tissue can occur in the affected area. Atelectasis is a potential complication following surgery, especially in individuals who have undergone chest or abdominal operations resulting in associated abdominal or chest pain during breathing. Congenital atelectasis can result from a failure of the lungs to expand at birth. This congenital condition may be localized or may affect all of both lungs. Causes and symptoms Ca
Atelectasis is a medical condition characterized by the partial or full collapse of a lung, impairing the patient’s ability to breathe. Left untreated, atelectasis can be fatal, as oxygen is a vital requirement for a healthy body. There are a number of causes for atelectasis, and each cause requires a different treatment approach; treatment usually focuses on ensuring that the patient has enough oxygen before the root cause of the problem is addressed and hopefully resolved. This condition affects the alveoli, the tiny air sacs which line the lungs. These sacs are very flexible, allowing them to inflate to take in oxygen, and then to deflate, pushing the oxygen through the blood-rich tissues of the lungs so that it can be carried off to other parts of the body. When the alveoli cannot inflate, the lung may start to collapse, preventing the lung from inflating with air and restricting the supply of available oxygen to the patient. Atelectasis can also occur in patients who do not have e
• Atelectasis: Collapse of lung tissue affecting part or all of one lung. Atelectasis may be an acute or chronic condition. In acute atelectasis, the lung has recently collapsed and is primarily notable only for airlessness. In chronic atelectasis, the affected area is often characterized by a complex mixture of airlessness, infection, widening of the bronchi, destruction and scarring. • Atelectasis: collapse of an expanded lung (especially in infants); also failure of pulmonary alveoli to expand at birth. Source – WordNet 2.
