ATELECTASIS SYMPTOMS |
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Causes of atelectasis include
insufficient attemps at respiration by the newborn, bronchial
obstruction, or absence of surfactant (a substance secreted by
alveoli that maintains the stability of lung tissue by reducing the
surface tension of fluids that coat the lung). This lack of
surfactant reduces the surface area available for effective gas
exchange causing it to collapse if severe. Pressure on the lung from
fluid or air can cause atelectasis as well as obstruction of lung
air passages by thick mucus resulting from various infections and
lung diseases. Tumors and inhaled objects can also cause obstruction
of the airway, leading to atelectasis.
Anyone undergoing chest or abdominal surgery using general
anesthesia is at risk to develop atelectasis, since breathing is
often shallow after surgery to avoid pain from the surgical incision.
Any significant decrease in airflow to the alveoli contributes to
pooling of secretions, which in turn can cause infection. Chest
injuries causing shallow breathing, including fractured ribs, can
cause atelectasis. Common symptoms of atelectasis include shortness
of breath and decreased chest wall expansion. If atelectasis only
afects a small area of the lung, symptoms are ususally minimal. If
the condition affects a large area of the lung and develops quickly,
the individual may turn blue (cyanotic) or pale, have extreme
shortness of breath, and feel a stabbing pain on the affected side.
Fever and increased heart rate may be present if infection
accompanies atelectasis. |
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| ATELECTASIS RELATED ITEMS |
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