What is atelectasis in the right middle lobe?
Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery.
What is the difference between a pneumothorax and atelectasis?
A collapsed lung happens when air enters the pleural space, the area between the lung and the chest wall. If it is a total collapse, it is called pneumothorax. If only part of the lung is affected, it is called atelectasis.
What is the pathophysiology of atelectasis?
The pathophysiology involves the folding of the atelectatic lung tissue to the pleura. Middle lobe syndrome involves recurrent or fixed atelectasis of the right middle lobe and lingula. Extraluminal and intraluminal bronchial obstruction can result in middle lobe syndrome.
Does atelectasis go away?
Mild atelectasis may go away without treatment. Sometimes, medications are used to loosen and thin mucus. If the condition is due to a blockage, surgery or other treatments may be needed.
Are there any other medical conditions associated with atelectasis?
Other lung conditions: Other medical conditions involving the lungs can also be associated with atelectasis. These disorders could include lung cancer, pneumonia, pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). What are the signs and symptoms of atelectasis?
What do you call a collapsed lung with atelectasis?
People may call atelectasis or other conditions a “ collapsed lung .” Another condition that commonly causes a collapsed lung is pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is the presence of air between the lung and the chest wall, which can cause the lung to collapse.
Why is early mobilization important for the prevention of atelectasis?
It is believed that early mobilization results in increased lung volume, preventing therefore of atelectasis. Atelectasis is one of the most common respiratory complications in the perioperative period, and it may contribute to significant morbidity and mortality, including the development of pneumonia and acute respiratory failure.
What kind of sounds can you hear with atelectasis?
In cases of the upper lobe atelectasis, bronchial sounds may be heard, because of the proximity to the major airways. Once the diagnosis of atelectasis is suspected chest x-rays using anterior-posterior projections need to be performed to document the presence, extent, and distribution of atelectasis.