- Possible symptoms
- How to confirm the diagnosis
- What can cassowary atelectasis
- How the treatment is done
Pulmonary atelectasis is a respiratory complication that prevents the passage of sufficient air due to the collapse of the pulmonary alveoli. This usually happens when there is cystic fibrosis, tumors in the lung or when the lung has become filled with fluid due to a strong blow to the chest, for example.
Depending on how many alveoli are affected, the sensation of shortness of breath can be more or less intense and, therefore, the treatment may also vary according to the intensity of the symptoms.
However, in any case, if atelectasis is suspected, it is recommended to go quickly to the hospital, to confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment, since if the lung continues to be affected, there may be life-threatening.
Possible symptoms
The most common symptoms of atelectasis include:
- Difficulty breathing; Rapid and shallow breathing; Persistent cough; Constant chest pain.
Atelectasis usually occurs in people who are already hospitalized, as a complication of their health status, however, if you experience any of these symptoms it is very important to notify a doctor or nurse quickly.
How to confirm the diagnosis
In case of suspected atelectasis, the doctor may order several tests, such as chest X-rays, tomography, oximetry and bronchoscopy, to confirm the presence of collapsed pulmonary alveoli.
What can cassowary atelectasis
Atelectasis usually occurs when a pathway in the lung is obstructed or there is excess pressure outside the alveoli. Some problems that can cause these types of changes are:
- Accumulation of secretions in the airways; Presence of a foreign object in the lung; Strong blows to the chest; Pneumonia; Presence of fluid in the lung; Lung tumor.
In addition, after surgery it is also common for atelectasis to appear, as the effect of the anesthetic can cause the collapse of some alveoli. However, in these cases a ventilator is used to ensure that air enters the lungs properly.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for atelectasis is done according to the cause and intensity of the symptoms, and in milder cases, any type of therapy may not even be necessary. If the symptoms are more intense, breathing exercises can be used to try to open the pulmonary alveoli, such as coughing, taking a few deep breaths or giving light touches on the affected region to loosen the accumulation of secretions.
In the most severe cases, it may be necessary to resort to surgery, to clean the airways or even to remove the affected part of the lung, allowing it to function properly again.
Whenever there is an identifiable cause of atelectasis, such as a tumor or the presence of fluid in the lung, the problem should always be treated to ensure that atelectasis does not recur.
