What does left lower lobe 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.
What does atelectasis consolidation mean?
that completely fills the alveoli, you get an opaque balloon with normal volume. This is consolidation. Atelectatic lung: deflated balloon– If you take the air out of a balloon and do not replace it with anything, you get an opaque balloon with decrease volume. This is atelectasis.
How serious is atelectasis?
Large areas of atelectasis may be life threatening, often in a baby or small child, or in someone who has another lung disease or illness. The collapsed lung usually reinflates slowly if the airway blockage has been removed. Scarring or damage may remain. The outlook depends on the underlying disease.
Can you have atelectasis and consolidation?
Introduction. Lung atelectasis and consolidation are common situations in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care unit (ICU), and may result in impaired lung oxygenation, prolonged ventilation and increased mortality. Daily assessment of the lungs is an important issue in caring these patients.
How serious is lung consolidation?
Lung consolidation has many causes. The underlying illness can be serious, but many can be easily treated and cured. Treatment may vary, but no matter what is causing your lung consolidation, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as you develop symptoms.
What is lower lung consolidation?
What is a lung consolidation? Lung consolidation occurs when the air that usually fills the small airways in your lungs is replaced with something else. Depending on the cause, the air may be replaced with: a fluid, such as pus, blood, or water. a solid, such as stomach contents or cells.
What is lung lobe consolidation?
A pulmonary consolidation is a region of normally compressible lung tissue that has filled with liquid instead of air. The condition is marked by induration (swelling or hardening of normally soft tissue) of a normally aerated lung. It is considered a radiologic sign.
What conditions cause consolidation in the lungs?
A variety of conditions can cause lung consolidation, including pneumonia , atelectasis , pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, aspiration, and lung cancer.