Atelectasis Discoid

Discoid atelectasis (a. discoida; synonym a. plana) is a congenital or acquired condition in which the bronchial tree completely or partially collapses, which leads to a decrease in the volume of lung tissue and a decrease in its functional ability.

Atelectasis is divided into congenital and acquired. Congenital atelectasis is associated with impaired development of the lung, and acquired atelectasis is associated with its damage. Atelectasis can be either unilateral or bilateral.

Congenital atelectasis can be caused by various reasons, such as non-closure of the bronchial tube, abnormal location of the lung, anomalies in the development of the trachea and bronchi. Typically, congenital atelectasis appears in early childhood and can be detected by chest x-ray.

Acquired atelectasis occurs as a result of various lung diseases, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer and others. In this case, the collapse of lung tissue may be associated with impaired bronchial obstruction, inflammatory processes in the lungs, a mechanical obstruction to breathing and other factors.

The clinical manifestations of atelectasis depend on its degree and cause. With moderate collapse of the lung tissue, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing in the chest, and decreased vital capacity of the lungs may be observed. With complete collapse of the lung, acute respiratory failure develops.

Diagnosis of atelectasis is carried out using chest x-ray, computed tomography of the lungs and other methods. Treatment depends on the cause and extent of the collapsed lung. For mild forms of atelectasis, conservative therapy may be sufficient, including antibiotics, bronchodilators, mucolytics, etc. Severe forms may require surgery.

**Discoid atelectasis** is a concept denoting a persistent narrowing or cessation of air flow through the airways, which is formed as a result of a decrease in the cross-section of the bronchioles and bronchial tree. Since in this condition conditions arise for “clogging” of the patient’s airways, he loses the ability to breathe on his own. The main causes of the disease are lung disease, emphysema, obstructive pathology of the respiratory system, heart failure, strokes, traumatic brain injuries and other diseases.