Atelectasis意思

Atelectasis is a medical term that refers to the collapse or incomplete expansion of one or more lung lobes, which results in a lack of oxygenation of the blood. It can occur in one or both lungs and may be acute or chronic. Atelectasis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Mechanical factors such as chest trauma, surgery, or pressure on the chest from the outside.
• Impaired surfactant production, which is a substance that helps keep the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) open.
• Impaired mobility, which can lead to the pooling of secretions in the lungs.
• Medical procedures such as endotracheal intubation (a tube inserted into the trachea to assist with breathing) or mechanical ventilation.
• Medical conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, or cystic fibrosis.

Symptoms of atelectasis can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a dry cough. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. Diagnosis is typically made through chest X-ray, which can show the collapsed lung(s). Treatment for atelectasis depends on the underlying cause and may include oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy to help clear secretions, and in some cases, mechanical ventilation.