The collapsing of the lung is called atelectasis. It may be a collapse of all or part of a lung. It is one of the common abnormalities found in chest radiology findings.
Alveolar collapse or absence of gas in the alveoli is caused due to the consolidation of liquid. As a result, the alveoli are deflated. This condition can often be found in chest X-rays and other radiological studies. This can occur when air from the lungs get released due to some disease or wound. Recognition of such abnormalities is vital in order to understand the underlying pathology. There are several types of atelectasis, and they can be differentiated with characteristic radiographic pattern and etiology. Physiologically, atelectasis can be divided into two: obstructive atelectasis and non-obstructive atelectasis.
Obstructive atelectasis is the most common type of atelectasis and is caused due to the reabsorption of gas from the alveoli. When the communication between the alveoli and the trachea is obstructed, reabsorption of gas takes place.
Non-obstructive atelectasis can be caused by several factors such as loss of contact between the parietal and visceral pleurae, loss of surfactant, compression, replacement of parenchymal tissue, etc. you know like you will always be mean to
Plate-like atelectasis is also known as discoid or subsegmental atelectasis. Obstruction of small bronchus results in plate atelectasis. Hypo ventilation, pulmonary embolism, and lower respiratory tract infection are some of the common factors that cause obstruction.
Treatment of atelectasis depends on the underlying cause. It involves treatment to rectify the cause and to re-expand the collapsed lung tissue. Atelectasis caused by surgery can be treated with deep breathing exercises. Coughing helps to clear obstacles like mucus from the airway. If the condition occurs due to prolonged bed rest, changing the position or walking can be useful. PEEP or CPAP devices help to keep the airways and air sacs open.
If pressure from outside the lungs is the cause of atelectasis, treating the cause of the pressure can help lungs to fully expand. In case of tumor or fluid buildup, removing them can help to get rid of the pressure. If blockage is the cause, removing the blockage is the treatment option. If the blockage is due to mucus plug, using suction or other treatments can help remove the blockage.
Thus, treating the underlying cause with medicines, procedures, or other therapies can help to re-expand the collapsed lung.
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