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Atelectasis

Atelectasis is the loss of lung volume caused by inadequate expansion of the airspaces. There are several types of atelectasis including resorption, compression, contraction, and microatelectasis. Common causes include foreign bodies, mucus plugs, tumors, chest wall deformities, pleural effusions, and pneumothorax. Symptoms include decreased or absent breath sounds, abnormal chest percussion, cough, dyspnea, tachypnea, and tachycardia. Treatment involves non-pharmacological therapies like deep breathing, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, as well as pharmacological therapies like bronchodilators, mucolytics, and positive airway pressure.

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Louis Fortunato
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346 views3 pages

Atelectasis

Atelectasis is the loss of lung volume caused by inadequate expansion of the airspaces. There are several types of atelectasis including resorption, compression, contraction, and microatelectasis. Common causes include foreign bodies, mucus plugs, tumors, chest wall deformities, pleural effusions, and pneumothorax. Symptoms include decreased or absent breath sounds, abnormal chest percussion, cough, dyspnea, tachypnea, and tachycardia. Treatment involves non-pharmacological therapies like deep breathing, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, as well as pharmacological therapies like bronchodilators, mucolytics, and positive airway pressure.

Uploaded by

Louis Fortunato
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Atelectasis: ICD-9M Code 518.0 Atelectasis 1. Definition: Loss Of Lung Volume Caused By Inadequate Expansion Of The Airspaces. 2.

Types A. Resorption Atelectasis: 1. Collapse Of The Alveoli Distal To An Obstructed Bronchus 2.Common Causes Include: A. Foreign Bodies B. Mucus Plugs C. Tumors D. Chest Wall Deformities B. Compression Atelectasis: Mechanical Collapse Of Alveoli Due To External Pressure. 1. Causes Include: A. Pleural Effusions B. Pneumothorax C. Tumor In The Pleural Space C. Contraction Atelectaasis: Focal Loss Of Alveoli Resulting From Interstitial Fibrosis. The Interstitial Fibrosis Prevents The Complete Expansion & Increases Elastic Recoil. D. Microatelectasis: Generalized Loss Of Lung Expansion Caused By A Complex Set Of Events, The Most Important Of Which Is Loss Of Surfactant. It Is Present In : A. Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome B. Diseases Associated With Interstitial Inflammation C. Post-Surgical Atelectasis

E. Physical Findings: 1. Decreased Or Absent Breath Sounds 2. Abnormal Chest Percussion 3. Cough, Dyspnea, Tachypnea,Tachycardia 4. Decreased Vocal Fremitus 5. Diminshed Chest Expanision F. Imaging Studies: 1. CXR 2. CT Scan 3. Fiberoptic Bronchosocopy G. Treatment: 1. Non-Pharmacologic Therapy: A. Deep Breathing; Mobilization Of The Patient B. Incentive Spirometry C. Tracheal Suctioning D. Humidification E. Chest Physiotherapy With Percussion And Postural Drainage. 2. Acute General Treatment: A. Positive Pressure Breathing 1. CPAP By Face Mask 2. PEEP For Patients On Mechanical Ventilation B. Use of Mucolytic Agents 1. Mucomyst: Acetylcysteine C. Recombinant Human DNAse (Dornase Alpa) In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis D. Bronchodilator Therapy 3. Chronic Treatment: A. Chest Physiotherapy B. Humidification of Inspired Air C. Frequent Nasotracheal Suctioning

H. Comments: 1. Frequent Changes In Position Are Helpful In Clearing Secretions 2. Sitting In A Upright Chair Is Recommended To Increase Both Volume And Vital Capacity Relative To The Supine Position. I. Referral: 1. Bronchoscopy: To Remove Foreign Bodies Or Plugs Unresponsive To Conservative Treatment. 2. Surgical Referral For Removal Of Obstructing Neoplasms. J. Differential Diagnosis: 1. Neoplasm 2. Pneumonia 3. Encapsulated Pleural Effusion 4. Abnormalities OF The Brachiocephalic Vein And Of The Left Pulmonary Segment

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