Atelectasis (Medical Definition) | Quick Explainer Video

What is Atelectasis? This video covers the medical definition and provides a brief overview of this topic.
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➡️ Atelectasis Definition
Atelectasis is a term that refers to a collapse in the alveoli of the lungs. It could be a total collapse of an entire lung or a partial collapse in one or more lobes.

➡️ Gas Exchange Overview
As you take a breath in, air moves through your mouth and trachea down through the airways of the lungs until it reaches the tiny air sacs that are known as alveoli. This is where the gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Therefore, if air fails to reach this region, it can result in many different problems within the body. When this occurs, the alveoli that are not filled with air cannot expand, and this is what's known as atelectasis.

➡️ Causes of Atelectasis
It can occur in newborn infants due to a lack of surfactant. Atelectasis is also commonly seen in surgical patients where it can occur during or after the procedure. The reason is, surgery often causes shallow breathing which means that not enough air is reaching the alveolar region.

➡️ Other causes include:
An airway obstruction
Mucus plug
Lung tumor
Pleural effusion
Pneumothorax
Tuberculosis

Those who smoke cigarettes and the elderly population are at a higher risk for atelectasis as well. Significant atelectasis can be seen on a chest radiograph where the findings would show lung opacification in that area.

➡️ Atelectasis Treatment
Atelectasis can be treated by correcting the underlying cause. With that said, post-surgical atelectasis can be treated or prevented with lung expansion therapy. The most common type involves the use of an incentive spirometer which helps the patient take deep breaths to open up and expand the collapsed alveoli.

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🚑MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you watch in this video. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

💡AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This description contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase a product through one of them, we receive a small commission at no cost to you.

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⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:02 - Atelectasis Definition
0:24 - Gas Exchange Overview
0:52 - Causes of Atelectasis
1:17 - Other Causes
1:45 - Atelectasis Treatment

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