RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: BREATHING AND THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN SCI: RESPIRATORY TRACT COMPLICATIONS: ATELECTASIS

Atelectasis

     Atelectasis may be a total or partial collapse of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lung causing a lack of air to the affected area of the lung. The symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Thick secretions with change in color
• Possible pain
• Feeling of tightness in chest, and/or
• Fever

The treatment of Atelectasis includes:

• Contact your physician
• Since an airway blocked by mucus (mucous plug) may have caused the lung to collapse beyond the blockage, drainage procedures such as respiratory treatments, postural drainage, percussion, and assisted coughing should be started, and
• Deep breathing exercise may be helpful in re-expanding the lungs. An incentive spirometer may be used.

PoinTIS Copyright © 1998 the Louis Calder Memorial Library of the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, all rights reserved.