Pulmonary atelectasis - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Pulmonary atelectasis is a pathological condition characterized by the lack of distension of the alveoli due to the absence or reduction of air in one part of the lung. The alveoli, in essence, do not extend filling themselves with air, but collapse on themselves. This reduces the correct respiratory function.

Atelectasis is a complication of many congenital or acquired respiratory problems.

Fetal (or congenital) pulmonary atelectasis may be due to imperfect expansion of the lungs at birth, during the first breaths. Possible causes are malformation or the presence of mucus or meconium in a bronchial branch. Pulmonary atelectasis is observed mainly in premature infants and, when prolonged a lot, endangers the child due to possible asphyxia.

Acquired pulmonary atelectasis is found at any age, in pathological processes that lead to mechanical obstruction of the airways due to tumor proliferation, inhalation of foreign bodies, accumulation of mucus and chronic infections (eg tuberculosis).

Atelectasis can also be associated with compression of the lung tissue, which fails to expand and absorb air, due to thoracic trauma, pleural effusions, pneumothorax or distension of the abdomen with lifting of the diaphragm.

Furthermore, pulmonary atelectasis can depend on the non-extendability of the lung parenchyma, following fibrosis. In some cases, it is a complication of general anesthesia.

In adult subjects, pulmonary atelectasis is not fatal if the healthy parts are able to compensate for the functional loss of the collapsed areas.