Conditions: Atelectasis
Atelectasis is a usually temporary condition in which some of the lung is not filled with air.
What is Atelectasis?
The lung tissue is similar to a piece of bread, with lots of small pockets filled with air. If you were to compress a portion of bread, causing the solid material to collapse with no more air in that area, this would be like a patch of atelectasis in the lung.
More technically, atelectasis is a condition where the small lung airspaces, called alveoli, are deflated down to little or no volume.
Why is atelectasis a problem?
A patch of atelectasis prevents that portion of the lung from doing its job—exchanging CO2 for O2. In an otherwise healthy individual, a small amount of atelectasis is usually unnoticeable. When larger areas of the lung have atelectasis, and when a person’s lungs or vascular system are less healthy, atelectasis may cause low oxygen delivery to the body, which can be a problem. Atelectasis may also lead to an accumulation of fluid in the space where the lung normally fills. Atelectasis can lead to infection of the lungs.
What causes atelectasis?
Usually, atelectasis is caused by not taking deep breaths and staying in bed. This is most common after surgery.
How is atelectasis treated?
Deep breaths, intentional coughing, and physical activity (such as walking) are simple ways to treat atelectasis. A device called an Incentive Spirometer can also help. In severe cases, atelectasis may require placement of a breathing tube and use of a ventilator that helps inflate the lung with air pressure on each breath.