Atelectasis
Atelectasis refers to the imperfect expansion or collapse of a segment, lobe or lobes of the lung. This condition could be congenital or acquired.
Acquired atelectasis maybe due to the following:
– Bronchial obstruction
– Abnormal alveolar surface tension
– Direct pressure on parenchymal tissue such as heart enlargement or diaphragmatic hernia
– Increased intrapleural pressure
– Neuromuscular disease
In our country, the Philippines, the leading causes of atelectasis are:
1. Mucus plugs
2. Bronchial obstruction due to lymph nodes enlargement and because of tuberculosis.
A person with atelectasis may show aggravation of the respiratory symptoms. The physical findings may show the following:
– lag in the expansion
– narrowing of the intercostal spaces
– diminished breath sounds
If left untreated and the cause is life threatening, atelectasis may cause death. This could also cause permanent damage of the bronchus distal to the obstruction, fibrosis and bronchiectasis.