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Asked by: Dell Castellote
medical health lung and respiratory healthWhat is bilateral atelectasis?
Just so, what is bilateral dependent atelectasis?
Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery.
- Performing deep-breathing exercises (incentive spirometry) and using a device to assist with deep coughing may help remove secretions and increase lung volume.
- Positioning your body so that your head is lower than your chest (postural drainage).
- Tapping on your chest over the collapsed area to loosen mucus.
People also ask, is atelectasis serious?
Atelectasis may not cause signs or symptoms if it affects only a small area of lung. Atelectasis usually gets better with time or treatment. However, if it is undiagnosed or untreated, serious complications can occur, including fluid buildup, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.
The term atelectasis can also be used to describe the collapse of a previously inflated lung, either partially or fully, because of specific respiratory disorders. There are three major types of atelectasis: adhesive, compressive, and obstructive.