How did they come up with the name atelectasis?

atelectasis, derived from the Greek words atelēs and ektasis, literally meaning “incomplete expansion” in reference to the lungs. The term atelectasis can also be used to describe the collapse of a previously inflated lung, either partially or fully, because of specific respiratory disorders.

1. What does atelectasis mean?
2. What is atelectasis commonly called?
3. How does atelectasis cause death?
4. What's the difference between lung collapse and atelectasis?
5. What are the three types of atelectasis?
6. Which type of atelectasis is the most common?
7. What are the different types of atelectasis?
8. What does atelectasis mean on a CT scan?
9. Does atelectasis go away?
10. Should I worry about atelectasis?
11. Can atelectasis cause dizziness?
12. What does mild Subsegmental atelectasis mean?
13. What causes atelectasis in the lungs?
14. How do you fix atelectasis?
15. How do you Recognise atelectasis?

What does atelectasis mean?

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 atelectasis commonly called?

Atelectasis and other conditions may also be called collapsed lung. Atelectasis means that lung sacs cannot inflate properly, which means your blood may not be able to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.

How does atelectasis cause death?

However, if atelectasis is left undiagnosed or untreated, serious complications can develop. These can be potentially fatal, including but not limited to: fluid buildup in the lung, pleural space, or chest. respiratory infections such as pneumonia.

What's the difference between lung collapse 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 are the three types of atelectasis?

There are three major types of atelectasis: adhesive, compressive, and obstructive.

Which type of atelectasis is the most common?

Obstructive atelectasis is the most common type and results from reabsorption of gas from the alveoli when communication between the alveoli and the trachea is obstructed. The obstruction can occur at the level of the larger or smaller bronchus.

What are the different types of atelectasis?

The two main types of atelectasis are obstructive (also called resorptive) and nonobstructive.

What does atelectasis mean on a CT scan?

Atelectasis refers to either incomplete expansion of the lungs or the collapse of previously inflated lungs, which produces areas of relatively airless pulmonary parenchyma.

Does atelectasis go away?

Treatment of atelectasis depends on the cause. 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.

Should I worry about atelectasis?

In an adult, atelectasis in a small area of the lung is usually not life threatening. The rest of the lung can make up for the collapsed area, bringing in enough oxygen for the body to function.

Can atelectasis cause dizziness?

Shortness of breath. Chest pain that is worse with breathing. Dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Coughing up blood.

What does mild Subsegmental atelectasis mean?

Subsegmental atelectasis (plural: atelectases) is a descriptive term for the mildest form of lung atelectasis, involving less than one bronchopulmonary segment.

What causes atelectasis in the lungs?

Atelectasis, the collapse of part or all of a lung, is caused by a blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles) or by pressure on the lung. Risk factors for atelectasis include anesthesia, prolonged bed rest with few changes in position, shallow breathing and underlying lung disease.

How do you fix atelectasis?

Atelectasis treatment can include breathing or coughing exercises, inhaled medicines, breathing devices, or surgery. Atelectasis usually gets better with time or treatment. However, if it is undiagnosed or untreated, serious complications can occur, including fluid buildup, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.

How do you Recognise atelectasis?

Atelectasis is usually seen on chest x-rays as small volume linear shadows, usually peripherally or at the lung bases. The underlying cause (such as a lung tumor or pleural effusion) may also be visible.