45. Atelectasis of the Lung: Causes, Clinical Signs, Objective Examination Data, Verifying and Additional Examinations Definition • Atelectasis of the lung is a pathological condition in which a part of the lung or the entire lung loses air and collapses. • It occurs due to incomplete expansion or compression of lung tissue, leading to reduced ventilation. ─── Causes of Atelectasis 1. Obstructive (Resorption) Atelectasis Caused by blockage of the bronchus. Causes: • Foreign body in bronchus. • Bronchial tumor. • Thick mucus plug. • Severe bronchial obstruction. Mechanism: • Air cannot enter the affected area. • Existing air is absorbed into the blood. • Lung tissue collapses. ─── 2. Compression Atelectasis Caused by external pressure on the lung. Causes: • Pleural effusion. • Pneumothorax. • Tumors. • Accumulation of fluid or air in pleural cavity. ─── 3. Postoperative Atelectasis Causes: • Reduced deep breathing after surgery. • Pain limiting chest movement. • Accumulation of secretions. ─── 4. Other Causes • Pneumonia. • Tuberculosis. • Chest trauma. ─── Clinical Signs Depend on the size and speed of development of atelectasis. 1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) Mechanism: • Reduced lung surface area for gas exchange. ─── 2. Cough • Usually dry. • May occur due to bronchial irritation. ─── 3. Chest Pain • May occur due to pleural irritation. ─── 4. Fever • May occur if infection develops. ─── 5. Cyanosis • Appears in severe cases due to reduced oxygen level. ─── Objective Examination Data 1. Inspection Findings: • Reduced movement of the affected side of the chest. • Retraction (sinking) of the chest wall on the affected side. • Increased respiratory rate. ─── 2. Palpation Vocal Fremitus: • Decreased or absent in obstructive atelectasis. Mechanism: • Lack of air and reduced sound transmission. • May be increased in some types of compression atelectasis. ─── 3. Percussion Finding: • Dull percussion sound over the collapsed lung area. Mechanism: • Loss of air increases lung density. ─── 4. Auscultation Findings: • Decreased or absent vesicular breathing. • Reduced bronchophony. • Sometimes bronchial breathing may be heard near compressed areas. ─── Verifying and Additional Examinations 1. Chest X-ray (Main Method) Diagnostic findings: • Reduced volume of affected lung. • Increased lung density. • Shift of mediastinum toward the affected side. • Elevation of diaphragm. ─── 2. Computed Tomography (CT) Used for: • Detailed assessment of collapsed lung areas. • Detecting tumors or bronchial obstruction. ─── 3. Bronchoscopy Purpose: • Direct examination of bronchi. • Detects: ◦ Foreign bodies. ◦ Tumors. ◦ Mucus plugs. ─── 4. Ultrasound of Pleural Cavity Used for: • Detecting pleural fluid causing compression atelectasis. ─── 5. Blood Gas Analysis Evaluates: • Oxygen level. • Carbon dioxide level. Helps assess respiratory failure. ─── Diagnostic Significance Atelectasis helps diagnose: • Bronchial obstruction. • Pleural diseases. • Postoperative complications. • Lung tumors. • Severe infections. It is important because it can lead to: • Respiratory failure. • Secondary infection. • Reduced lung function. ─── Exam Summary Atelectasis is collapse of lung tissue due to loss of air. Causes: • Bronchial obstruction. • Pleural effusion. • Pneumothorax. • Tumors. • Postoperative complications. Clinical Signs: • Dyspnea. • Cough. • Chest pain. • Cyanosis (severe cases). Objective Findings: • Reduced chest movement. • Changes in vocal fremitus. • Dull percussion sound. • Decreased breath sounds. Diagnosis: • Chest X-ray. • CT scan. • Bronchoscopy. • Ultrasound. • Blood gas analysis. Atelectasis indicates loss of ventilation in part of the lung and requires identification of the underlying cause. Explain it in simple way

Create a visual infographic comparing the 3 types of atelectasis