Atelectasis

Atelectasis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Atelectasis is a condition in which part of the lung cannot expand completely. This occurs due to underdevelopment of the cells lining the alveoli and their inability to produce surfactant, which maintains surface tension in the alveoli. Atelectasis can also develop if the bronchi become blocked with mucus or foreign bodies, with bronchial cancer, or due to enlarged lymph nodes (for example, in patients with tuberculosis or lung cancer).

Symptoms of atelectasis may include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain and fever. However, in some cases, atelectasis may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during an X-ray examination.

Various techniques are used to diagnose atelectasis, including chest x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bronchoscopy.

Treatment for atelectasis depends on its cause. If the bronchi are clogged with phlegm or foreign bodies, procedures are performed to remove them using a bronchoscope. If the cause is bronchial cancer, surgery or radiation therapy may be required. Physiotherapy, including breathing exercises and chest massage, can also be used to treat atelectasis.

However, with prolonged atelectasis, a person may develop irreversible processes and death may occur. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help if you experience symptoms associated with atelectasis. Regular preventive examination, including x-ray and other research methods, can help identify atelectasis at an early stage and prevent the development of its complications.