atelectasis

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2005

you ought to be able to Google lung problems and get a scientific answer, but the REAL answer is that pneumonia is an infection. Infections cause fluid buildup (drainage) and inflammation. These "clog up" the alveoli, just like a sponge that is completely soaked. Fluid replaces air. The lungs can't expand, so they collapse.

Dinith88 · Jul 11, 2005

but I do not fully understand how atelectasis leads to pneumonia. If the patho is too lengthy, reference to a good website would be helpful. Thanks.
Student Nurse

In a none-too-lengthy nutshell (in plain english), think of it this way:

Atelectasis most commonly occurs when a person is underventilating her lungs (breathing too shallow) but can also occur in obstruction (ie mucus plug, tumor, etc.)... This eventually leads to the 'collapse/closure' of the lung 'space' that isnt being 'used/ventilated'.

NOW...the area that is 'collapsed' is at a greater risk for developing a pneumonia/infection because the lung's normal mechanisms for 'cleaning itself' are compromised (mucocilliary activity, ventilation, etc.).

The air we breath is full of foreign material (bacteria, etc.) that can cause pneumonia. If this air/material becomes 'stagnant' (for lack of a proper mediacl term) due to atelectasis, it puts the patient at a BIG risk for developing an infection because this 'stagnant' material can 'fester' (again, for lack of a good medical term) and lead to a pneumonia.

Ummm.. does that help???

nu570 · Jul 12, 2005

Thanks for the responses. Much help.

mysticalwaters1 · Jul 13, 2005

In a none-too-lengthy nutshell (in plain english), think of it this way:
Atelectasis most commonly occurs when a person is underventilating her lungs (breathing too shallow) but can also occur in obstruction (ie mucus plug, tumor, etc.)... This eventually leads to the 'collapse/closure' of the lung 'space' that isnt being 'used/ventilated'.
NOW...the area that is 'collapsed' is at a greater risk for developing a pneumonia/infection because the lung's normal mechanisms for 'cleaning itself' are compromised (mucocilliary activity, ventilation, etc.).
The air we breath is full of foreign material (bacteria, etc.) that can cause pneumonia. If this air/material becomes 'stagnant' (for lack of a proper mediacl term) due to atelectasis, it puts the patient at a BIG risk for developing an infection because this 'stagnant' material can 'fester' (again, for lack of a good medical term) and lead to a pneumonia.
Ummm.. does that help???

Tha't a great explanation thanks too!

candyndel · Jul 13, 2005

The tricky part, though, is that you can and will get a low grade temp with atelectasis. I think it might even be the #1 cause of post op fever?

you ought to be able to Google lung problems and get a scientific answer, but the REAL answer is that pneumonia is an infection. Infections cause fluid buildup (drainage) and inflammation. These "clog up" the alveoli, just like a sponge that is completely soaked. Fluid replaces air. The lungs can't expand, so they collapse.