Atelectasis – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors start by checking symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heart rate. They look for signs of a collapsed lung, shallow breathing, or low oxygen levels.
A physical exam can help find clues about possible blockages or lung issues.
Imaging Tests:
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chest X-ray | Shows lung collapse, scarring, or pneumonia |
| CT scan | Finds tumors, blocked airways, or details missed on X-ray |
| Chest ultrasound | Detects fluid (pleural effusion) or air leaks (pneumothorax) |
Doctors often use chest X-rays first. They can spot areas where the alveoli are not fully open and where the lung may have collapsed. In some cases, a CT scan gives a clearer picture of any obstruction, scarring, or lung cancer.
Other Diagnostic Tools:
- Oximetry: This easy test measures blood oxygen using a small clip on the finger. It helps see how much the lungs are affected.
- Bronchoscopy: A thin, flexible tube goes into the lungs so doctors can find and sometimes remove blockages like mucus, tumors, or foreign objects.
These tests help doctors find the cause, such as a blocked airway from a tumor or foreign object, lung diseases, or other issues affecting the air sacs.
Care Methods for Atelectasis
Airway Clearance and Lung Expansion Techniques
Chest physiotherapy uses different ways to help expand the lungs and remove mucus. Patients often use deep breathing routines with an incentive spirometer.
This device encourages slow, full breaths and helps the lungs inflate. Patients may also use deep coughing after these exercises to clear mucus.
Other helpful actions include lying with the head lower than the chest to let mucus drain and tapping on the chest, called percussion, to loosen secretions.
Sometimes a mechanical tool, like an air pulse vest, helps with this process. Good airway clearance reduces the risk of infections and helps the lungs heal.
| Technique | Purpose | Tools Used |
|---|---|---|
| Incentive spirometry | Increases lung volume | Incentive spirometer |
| Chest percussion | Loosens mucus | Hands or mechanical device |
| Postural drainage | Moves mucus out of lungs | Body positioning |
| Deep coughing | Clears airways | None or after deep breathing |
Procedures to Remove Blockages
When mucus or another blockage prevents air from moving, doctors can use simple suction with medical tools or perform bronchoscopy.
In bronchoscopy, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube to see inside the airways and remove blockages.
If a tumor is present, the doctor may remove it during this procedure, or surgery may be required to remove part of the lung or tumor.
Sometimes cancer therapies like chemotherapy or radiation are also part of the plan if a tumor is the cause.
Supportive and Breathing Care
Some patients need extra breathing help, especially if they have low blood oxygen (hypoxemia) or are too weak to cough.
Devices that provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can make it easier to keep airways open. Oxygen therapy helps maintain normal blood oxygen levels.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics if an infection develops.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Before Your Appointment
Being prepared can make your visit more helpful. Write down all your symptoms, even ones you do not think are related.
Note when the symptoms first started and if anything seemed to trigger them. Bring a full list of any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are currently using.
If you are a smoker, tell your doctor. List any steps you have taken to prevent more problems with your lungs, such as quitting smoking or avoiding irritants.
Bring your medical records if you have them. You may also want to bring a trusted friend or family member to help remember what the doctor says.
Checklist:
| What to Bring | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| List of symptoms | Helps describe your condition. |
| Medications/vitamins | Prevents drug interactions. |
| Past treatments | Shows what has or has not helped. |
| Smoking history | May affect your lungs and treatment options. |
| Questions for doctor | Ensures you get needed information. |
Important Topics to Discuss with Your Doctor
Prepare some questions about your symptoms, possible causes, and treatment options.
You can ask about the expected steps in diagnosis, tests needed, and possible treatments. If you have other health issues, ask how they may affect your care.
Examples of questions:
- What could be causing my breathing problems?
- What tests will I need, and why?
- Which treatments work best for my situation?
- Are there things I should avoid, like smoking or strenuous activity?
- How can I prevent this from happening again?
Questions the Doctor Might Ask You
The doctor will likely ask several questions to better understand your symptoms and health. They may ask:
- When did your symptoms start?
- Do the symptoms come and go, or are they always present?
- How bad are your symptoms?
- Have you had a fever or other signs of infection?
- Does anything make your symptoms better or worse?
If you share honest answers, the doctor can more easily find the best treatment. Be ready to discuss your lifestyle, including whether you smoke or have tried to stop.
