What can you do for mild atelectasis?

Treatment

• Clap (percussion) on the chest to loosen mucus plugs in the airway.
• Deep breathing exercises (with the help of incentive spirometry devices).
• Remove or relieve any blockage in the airways by bronchoscopy.
• Tilt the person so the head is lower than the chest (called postural drainage).

What does mild atelectasis mean?

Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery.

Can mild atelectasis cause shortness of breath?

If atelectasis affects only a small area of the lungs, you may not have any symptoms. But if it affects larger areas, the lungs cannot fill with enough air, and the oxygen level in your blood may go down. When this happens, uncomfortable symptoms can occur, including: Trouble breathing (shortness of breath)

Is Mild Bibasilar atelectasis serious?

The complications of bibasilar atelectasis can become serious if not treated by your doctor or a medical professional. The following are some possible complications of bibasilar atelectasis: Hypoxemia. This is when there are low oxygen levels in your blood.

What does mild Subsegmental atelectasis mean?

Subsegmental atelectasis (plural: atelectases) is a descriptive term for the mildest form of lung atelectasis, involving less than one bronchopulmonary segment.

Is Bibasilar atelectasis normal?

Share on Pinterest Bibasilar atelectasis is most common after a major surgical procedure. It is most common for a person to experience bibasilar atelectasis after they have undergone a major surgical procedure, involving general anesthesia. There is a range of other possible causes, as well.

Can atelectasis cause back pain?

Symptoms of Atelectasis and Pneumothorax Sudden, sharp pain in the chest or radiating to the shoulder or back.

What does Bibasilar mean?

New Word Suggestion. At the bases of both lungs. For example, someone with a pneumonia in both lungs might have abnormal bibasilar breath sounds.

Is it normal to have Bibasilar atelectasis?

It is most common for a person to experience bibasilar atelectasis after they have undergone a major surgical procedure, involving general anesthesia. There is a range of other possible causes, as well. Doctors class these causes as either obstructive or nonobstructive.