Difference between Atelectasis and Pneumonia

1. Is atelectasis the same as pneumonia?
2. Is atelectasis a symptom of pneumonia?
3. What are the three types of atelectasis?
4. What causes atelectasis?
5. How do you fix atelectasis?
6. Is atelectasis life threatening?
7. Can atelectasis be permanent?
8. Do you hear crackles with atelectasis?
9. What does atelectasis look like on chest xray?
10. What is the most common type of atelectasis?
11. How do you do deep breathing exercises for atelectasis?
12. What is basilar atelectasis or scarring?

Is atelectasis the same as pneumonia?

Atelectasis is collapse of lung tissue with loss of volume. Patients may have dyspnea or respiratory failure if atelectasis is extensive. They may also develop pneumonia. Atelectasis is usually asymptomatic, but hypoxemia and pleuritic chest pain may be present in certain cases.

Is atelectasis a symptom of pneumonia?

Pneumonia. Various types of pneumonia, a lung infection, can cause atelectasis. Pneumothorax. Air leaks into the space between your lungs and chest wall, indirectly causing some or all of a lung to collapse.

What are the three types of atelectasis?

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.

What causes atelectasis?

Atelectasis is caused by a blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles) or by pressure on the outside of the lung. Atelectasis is not the same as another type of collapsed lung called pneumothorax, which occurs when air escapes from the lung.

How do you fix atelectasis?

Treatment

1. Performing deep-breathing exercises (incentive spirometry) and using a device to assist with deep coughing may help remove secretions and increase lung volume.
2. Positioning your body so that your head is lower than your chest (postural drainage). ...
3. Tapping on your chest over the collapsed area to loosen mucus.

Is atelectasis life threatening?

If enough of the lung is affected, your blood may not receive enough oxygen, which can cause health problems. Atelectasis often develops after surgery. It is not typically life-threatening, but in some cases, it needs to be treated quickly.

Can atelectasis be permanent?

After treatment, a collapsed lung usually begins working the way it should again. But atelectasis can cause permanent damage in some cases.

Do you hear crackles with atelectasis?

Atelectasis also causes bibasilar crackles, but the crackles of atelectasis clear after several repeated inspirations. Crackles will be detected higher in the chest with worsening severity of HF. Crackles may be absent in patients with chronic HF even in the setting of elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

What does atelectasis look like on chest xray?

Atelectasis. A lateral chest x-ray film confirms the diagnosis of right middle lobe collapse. The minor fissure moves down, and the major fissure moves up, leading to a wedge-shaped opacity.

What is the most common type of atelectasis?

Obstructive atelectasis is the most common type and results from reabsorption of gas from the alveoli when communication between the alveoli and the trachea is obstructed. The obstruction can occur at the level of the larger or smaller bronchus.

How do you do deep breathing exercises for atelectasis?

Deep breathing

1. Get yourself in a comfortable position. ...
2. Place your hands on your belly, and take a deep breath in through your nose. ...
3. Purse your lips and slowly blow the air out in one long, controlled breath. ...
4. Repeat for five breathing cycles.

What is basilar atelectasis or scarring?

Bibasilar atelectasis is a condition that happens when you have a partial collapse of your lungs. This type of collapse is caused when the small air sacs in your lungs deflate. These small air sacs are called alveoli. Bibasilar atelectasis specifically refers to the collapse of the lower sections of your lungs.