Causes and symptoms of collapse of the lungs

The article was consulted professionally by Dr Phan Dinh Thuy Tien – General Internal Medicine Doctor – Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine – Share99 Nha Trang International Hospital.

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Pulmonary collapse is caused by alveoli in the lungs that are deflated causing shortness of breath, chest pain, can even lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure … The disease is curable in adults in a very small number. Therefore, when there are signs of the disease, it is necessary to see a doctor for timely testing, diagnosis and treatment to avoid serious risks.

1. What is pulmonary collapse?

Collapse of the lungs is a complete or part collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lungs. It occurs when small air bags (alveoli) in the lungs deflate or may be filled with alveolar fluid.

Collapse of the lungs is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery. This is also a possible symptom of other respiratory problems, including cystic fibrosis, lung tumors, chest injuries, fluid in the lungs and respiratory failure, post-pulmonary tuberculosis. The disease can also occur when inhaling foreign objects.

Collapse of the lungs can cause airway obstacles, especially if there is additional lung disease. Treatment of this disease depends on the cause and severity of the collapse of the lungs.

2. Causes of collapse of the lungs

There are many causes of pulmonary collapse. Depending on the cause, it can be classified into obstructive pulmonary collapse and non-obstructive pulmonary collapse

2.1. Causes of obstructive pulmonary collapse

Obstructive pulmonary collapse occurs when one of the airways is blocked. This prevents air from entering the alveoli and so they will collapse. Obstructions that may prevent air from entering the airways include:

  • Inhale foreign objects such as small toys or small pieces of food that enter the airways.
  • Accumulation of mucus (mucous buttons) in the airways.
  • The tumor develops in the airways.
  • Tumors in lung tissue over the airways.

Lung cancer 1

Tumor in lung tissue causes obstructive pulmonary collapse

2.2. Causes of non-obstructive pulmonary collapse

Non-obstructive pulmonary collapse is any type of pulmonary collapse that is not caused by a certain obstruction entering the airways. The main causes of this condition include:

  • surgery:

Injuries can occur during or after any surgery. These surgeries often involved the use of anesthesies and ventilators, followed by painkillers and sedatives. Along with these can make the breath shallower. They can also make the person less likely to cough, even if it is necessary to remove it from the lungs. Sometimes, not breathing deeply or not coughing can cause some alveoli to collapse.

If there is an upcoming surgery, talk to your specialist about ways to reduce your risk of postoperative atrophy. Currently, there is a handheld device called a scrap meter. This machine can be used in hospitals and at home to help breathe deeper.

  • Pleural effusion:

This is the accumulation of fluid in the gap between the outer lining of the lungs and the lining of the inner chest wall. Typically, these two linings will be in close contact with each other to help keep the lungs enlarged. Pleural effusion causes the lining to separate and lose contact with each other. This allows elastic tissue in the lungs to pull inside, pushing air out of the alveoli.

  • Pneumothorax:

This is very similar to pleural effusion but involves the accumulation of air, rather than fluid, between the lining of the lungs and the chest. Like pleural effusion, this causes lung tissue to pull inside, pushing air out of the alveoli.

  • Lung scarring:

Lung scarring is also known as pulmonary fibrosis. It is usually caused by long-term lung infections, such as tuberculosis. Long-term exposure to stimulants, including tobacco smoke, can also cause it. This scar is permanent and makes your alveoli harder to inflate.

  • Chest tumors:

Any type of mass or growth that is close to the lungs can put pressure on the lungs. This can force some air out of the alveoli, causing them to deflate.

  • Surfactant deficiency:

Lung bags contain a substance called a superficial active substance that keeps them open. When there is too little of this substance, the alveoli will flatten. Lack of superficial active substance tends to occur with babies born prematurely.

Collapse of the lungs

There are many different reasons for collapsing the lungs

3. Symptoms of collapse of the lungs

Symptoms of collapse of the lungs range from none to very severe and depend on how affected the lungs are and how quickly it develops. If only a few alveoli are involved or it occurs slowly, there may not be any symptoms. When pulmonary collapse involves a lot of alveoli or appears quickly, it is difficult to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream. Low blood oxygen can lead to:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Chest pain is severe, especially when taking deep breaths or coughing.
  • Breathe fast.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Blue skin, lips, nails or toenails.

Sometimes, pneumonia develops in the affected parts of the lungs. When this happens, there may be typical symptoms of pneumonia, such as cough, fever and chest pain.

4. Risk factors for pulmonary collapse

Factors most likely to develop pulmonary collapse include:

  • Advanced age.
  • Any conditions that make it difficult to swallow.
  • Little change of position, mostly lying uns unchanged in bed.
  • Lung diseases, such as asthma, COPD, bronchial dilators or cystic fibrosis.
  • Abdominal or chest surgery.
  • Body anesthesia.
  • Weak breathing (respiration), muscle dysoplastic, spinal cord injury or another neuropathic condition.
  • The drug can cause shallow breathing.
  • Pain or injury can cause pain when coughing or breathing shallowly, including stomach pain or broken ribs.
  • smoke.

5. Complications of collapse of the lungs

A small number of pulmonary collapse, especially in adults, is often treatable. The following complications may be a consequence of pulmonary collapse:

  • Low blood oxygen (hypoxia): Collapse of the lungs makes it harder for the lungs to get oxygen into the airbags (alveoli).
  • Pneumonia: The risk of pneumonia continues until treatment stops. Mucus in the lungs flattens can lead to infection.
  • Respiratory failure: Loss of lobes or entire lungs, especially in babies or people with lung disease, can be life-threatening.

Progressive respiratory distress syndrome

Collapse of the lungs causes complications of respiratory failure

6. Prevention of collapse of the lungs

Children swallow foreign objects such as peanuts, small objects that can cause collapse of the lungs due to airway obstruction. To reduce the risk of disease, keep small objects out of reach of children.

In adults, anemia usually occurs after the great surgery. If scheduled for surgery, talk to your specialist about strategies to mitigate the risk. Some studies show that having a few breathing exercises and practicing muscles can reduce the risk of disease after certain surgery.

Dr Thuy Tien has 18 years of experience in medical examination and treatment. Currently, he is a General Internal Medicine Doctor of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine department of Share99 Nha Trang International Health Hub.

For direct advice, please click the HOTLINE number or register online HERE. In addition, you can register for remote consultation HERE

Reference source: mayoclinic.org; webmd.com; healthline.com

SEE MORE:

  • Pulmonary collapse: Diagnosis and treatment
  • Long-term complications of asthma
  • Complications and consequences of pleural effusion
SEE MORE:

  • Children's Respiratory System Features – Part 1
  • Children's Respiratory System Features – Part 2
  • Surgery to remove pericardoma

About: John Smith

b1ffdb54307529964874ff53a5c5de33?s=90&r=gI am the author of Share99.net. I had been working in Vinmec International General Hospital for over 10 years. I dedicate my passion on every post in this site.

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