Distensional Atelectasis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Distensional atelectasis is a condition in which the pulmonary alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) become compressed and unable to expand. This occurs because the bronchi (the air tubes that supply air to the lungs) are blocked or narrowed, causing reduced lung capacity and impaired lung function. Distensional atelectasis can occur in any part of the lung.
The causes of distensional atelectasis can be different. This may be caused by a medical condition such as pneumonia, lung cancer, asthma or bronchiectasis. Also, distensional atelectasis can be caused by trauma or surgery, for example, after lung surgery.
Symptoms of distensional atelectasis may vary depending on which part of the lung is affected. Common symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and fever. In cases where distensional atelectasis is caused by injury or surgery, symptoms may not appear immediately, but several days after the procedure.
Treatment of distensional atelectasis depends on the cause of its occurrence. In some cases, if atelectasis is caused by a medical condition, treatment for that condition may be necessary. To treat distensional atelectasis caused by a blocked bronchus, you may need to do a procedure called bronchoscopy, in which the doctor inserts a flexible tube into the lungs to remove the blockage or widen the narrowed bronchus. In some cases, surgery may be required.
In conclusion, distensional atelectasis is a serious condition that can cause various breathing problems and impair the patient's quality of life. It is important to consult a doctor promptly if you have symptoms associated with distensional atelectasis and follow all doctor's instructions to achieve the best treatment outcome.
Atelectasis (fibro-atelectatic emphysema) is a persistent irreversible decrease in the volume of lung tissue, caused by a sharp decrease in the elasticity of the lung tissue and leading to the appearance of a “pulmonary heart” in it. Occurs predominantly in men under about 45 years of age. For a long time, it was not customary to call atelectasis the term “atelectasia,” however, “atelegesis” meant their group.
Symptoms: in the early stages, severe pain syndrome is not expressed; it can develop in the form of spontaneous exacerbations. Gradually the pain intensifies, but of a slightly different nature than with alveolar emphysema. There is causeless fatigue, fever, and there is no effect from standard expectorants (ambroxol, lazolvan, etc.). Unreasonable temperature fluctuations, excess weight, general exhaustion of the body. Left ventricular hypertrophy and dilatation of the superior vena cava occur. Shortness of breath, insomnia, sweating, chills, drowsiness, and irritability are also noted. When you take a deep breath while coughing, the pain is localized in the projection of the apex of the lung. The x-ray shows inhomogeneous darkening of the upper part of the lungs, similar to the typical picture of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The intercostal vascular bundle thickens. Sometimes a slight pleurisy may be detected.