What is atelectasis caused by

General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular pattern of breathing and affects the exchange of lung gases, which can cause the air sacs alveoli to deflate. Nearly everyone who has major surgery develops some amount of atelectasis. It often occurs after heart bypass surgery. A small area of atelectasis, especially in an adult, usually is treatable.

The following complications may result from atelectasis:. Atelectasis in children is often caused by a blockage in the airway. To decrease atelectasis risk, keep small objects out of reach of children.

In adults, atelectasis most commonly occurs after major surgery. If you're scheduled for surgery, talk with your doctor about strategies to reduce your risk. Some research suggests that certain breathing exercises and muscle training may lower the risk of atelectasis after certain surgeries. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Atelectasis at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area lobe of the lung.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. Antitussive therapy should be avoided. Most importantly, the cause of atelectasis eg, mucous plug, foreign body, tumor, mass, pulmonary effusion should be treated. For persistent mucous plugging, nebulized dornase alfa and sometimes bronchodilators are tried. N - Acetylcysteine is usually avoided because it can cause bronchoconstriction.

If other measures are ineffective or if a cause of obstruction other than mucous plugging is suspected, bronchoscopy should be done. Smokers can decrease their risk of postoperative atelectasis by stopping smoking Smoking Cessation Most smokers want to quit and have tried doing so with limited success.

Effective interventions include cessation counseling and drug treatment, such as varenicline, bupropion, or a nicotine Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and various occupational Preoperative inspiratory muscle training including incentive spirometry should be considered for patients scheduled for thoracic or upper abdominal surgery. After surgery, early ambulation and lung expansion techniques eg, coughing, deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry may also decrease risk.

Atelectasis is reversible collapse of lung tissue with loss of volume; common causes include intrinsic or extrinsic airway compression, hypoventilation, and a malpositioned endotracheal tube. A large area of atelectasis may cause symptomatic hypoxemia, but any other symptoms are due to the cause or a superimposed pneumonia.

Diagnosis is by chest x-ray; if the cause is not clinically apparent, bronchoscopy or chest computed tomography may be needed. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Manual was first published in as a service to the community. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. Videos Figures Images Quizzes Symptoms. Symptoms and Signs. Key Points. Bronchiectasis and Atelectasis.

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