Atelectasis in infants

Atelectasis in Infants

What atelectasis in infants?

Atelectasis – collapse of the lung. When air is inhaled through the respiratory tract in small bags to lung. They oxygen from the air is absorbed into the blood, and carbon dioxide excreted. In the event of atelectasis, these bags do not work, there is a collapsed lung. The collapse of large parts of the lungs can lead to serious problems. Infants can be atelectasis:

• Congenital – present at birth;
• Acquired – disorder occurs after birth.

Causes of atelectasis in infants

Atelectasis is not a disease. It appears as a result of disease or pathology in the body. It can cause the following problems:

• Blockage in the airway – as a result of the liquid into the lungs during childbirth, inhalation of foreign object or mucus plug, which impedes the circulation of air in the lungs;
• Pulmonary infections – can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs;
• Lack of surfactant (often in premature infants) – substance, is a liquid, which covers the inside of the lungs and helps them to function properly;
• Respiratory failure – lungs falls insufficient air;
• Damage to the nerves and muscles, that control the breathing process – may cause coughing, deep breathing or frequent yawning.

Risk factors for atelectasis in infants

Factors, which increases the likelihood of congenital atelectasis include:

• Meconium Aspiration into the lungs or amniotic water;
• Long or difficult childbirth;
• Birth injury to the central nervous system.

Children under the age of 3 s more likely to develop atelectasis, than older children or adults. Factors, which can increase the likelihood of atelectasis in a child include:

• Miscarriage;
• Lung disease or infection;
• Damage to the chest wall;
• Anesthesia;
• Inhalation of foreign objects;
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome;
• Stay on mechanical ventilation.

Symptoms in infants atelectasis

Atelectasis may not have obvious symptoms.

Spread over a large area of the lung atelectasis may cause:

• Rapid breathing;
• Frequent shallow breaths;
• Excitation;
• Cough;
• Decreased chest movement during breathing;
• Crepitation;
• Fever;
• Blue skin.

Diagnosis of atelectasis in infants

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history of the child, and perform a physical examination. Particular attention will turn to the sound of the doctor during inhalation and exhalation. To confirm atelectasis, appointed to perform the procedures detailed pictures of the lungs:

• Chest X-ray;
• Chest CT.

Also, for the diagnosis of atelectasis can be applied bronchoscopy – examination of the lungs, performed via a long thin tube with a light source at the end.

Treatment of atelectasis in infants

Treatment of atelectasis will depend on its cause. Sometimes it requires an additional supply of oxygen to the lungs and breathing support, until the problem is resolved. Treatment of atelectasis in babies include the following options:

Removal of the blockage in the lung

The doctor will take measures, to remove the blockage, that is causing the problem.

To eliminate foreign objects can be made a bronchoscopy. It uses a thin tool into a tube called a bronchoscope. It is inserted through the throat to the lungs. After a bronchoscope doctor may enter the lungs special tools, To remove a foreign object.

Bronchoscopy can also be performed, to remove mucous plug.

Physiotherapy

To remove the mucus from the lungs can be assigned special exercises. In one embodiment, uses rhythmic tapping on the back and chest. Some exercises will also use gravity, to display the mucus from the body.

Respiratory Therapy

The procedure can include one or all of the following procedures:

• Breathing masks or treatments, to keep the airway open;
• Suctioning, to help remove the discharge from the lungs;
• Breathing support and help of mechanical ventilation.

Medications for the treatment of atelectasis in infants

Medications can help improve breathing or cure the underlying disease. Medications can help:

• Open airway;
• Treat Disease, which resulted in atelectasis;
• Curing the infection (antibiotics).

Also, to support the baby may be needed supplemental oxygen.

Prevention of atelectasis in infants

Not all cases of atelectasis can be prevented. To reduce the likelihood of a child atelectasis, Follow these steps::

• Be careful with small objects, do not let their babies;
• Consult your doctor, to treat lung disease, who has a child;
• Take action, to prevent premature birth:
  • Get regular prenatal care;
  • During pregnancy, stick to a well balanced diet, with many fruits and vegetables;
  • Maintain physical activity.

Some diseases increase the risk of atelectasis in the child. The doctor will take certain steps, to prevent atelectasis:

• Prescribe medications to improve the allocation of surfactant in preterm infants;
• Is the treatment and monitoring of lung infections;
• If necessary, appointed by oxygen or respiratory therapy.