Question

Define atelectasis and give the two most common causes

Answer 1

Atelectasis is a partial or complete collapse of the lungs either fully or a portion. It makes the alveoli of the lungs most probably filled with alveolar fluid and makes them deflated.

The most common cause of the atelectasis is the use of general anaesthesia. If affects the gas exchange in lungs by altering the respiratory pattern and makes the alveoli deflate. Another one is the presence of bronchial asthma. It makes the respiratory tract to fill with more mucous or mucopurulent discharge and blocks the airway. As a result respiratory pattern changes and the alveoli deflates.