Atelectasis and Pneumothorax are two different types of lung conditions. They are caused by different factors and have different treatments. Irrespective of their differences, they are both life-threatening lung conditions because they can affect the supply of oxygen into the bloodstream.
Atelectasis refers to a collapsed lung with inability to expand. Pleural effusions, elevation of the diaphragm, and tumors may cause the lung to collapse when they compress it. The remaining lung will have to take over the functions of the collapsed lung. On the other hand, pneumothorax refers to the puncture of the pleural lining of the lung. As a result of this puncture, air will be released into the pleural space.
What are the causes of pneumothorax and atelectasis?
Atelectasis (lung collapse) is often caused by a blockage of the air passage. That blocks the supply of oxygen into the blood stream. The pressure outside the lung could also cause this collapse. Tumors, pleural effusions, mucus, and other small particles could block the air passage thus causing atelectasis.
Pneumothorax may be triggered by thoracic trauma, lung disease, rupture of cysts, esophagus perforation, and other pleural infections. If you got stabbed or broke your rib in the lung, that could result in the release of air into the chest. As a result, pneumothorax occurs. In people who suffer from asthma, TB, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and pertussis, pneumothorax occurs spontaneously. Smokers are also at risk of having pneumothorax.
What are symptoms of pneumothorax and atelectasis?
There are varying symptoms between these lung conditions. Regardless of symptoms of specific conditions, they all need medical attention once detected.
Seek Medical Attention If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms
Chest pain
A weakened cough
Difficulty of breathing
Shock symptoms
Breath shortness
Low blood pressure
Cyanosis
Fatigue
Fainting
High heart rate
All these need the doctor’s attention. Failure to do so may lead to death or brain damage. Therefore, you have to take these two conditions seriously as consequences could be severe.
How are pneumothorax and atelectasis diagnosed and treated?
Upon arrival at hospital, the doctors will devise a plan of treatments and tests to do. The lung will be checked for breathing sounds to see if they are normal or deranged. Irregular breathing sounds are indicative of lung collapse. The X-rays can also be used depending on the severity of lung condition the patient has. There are many ways that the doctors will diagnose and treat pneumothorax and atelectasis.
If pneumothorax is diagnosed, the doctor may try to puncture the chest in order to expel the air. Further treatment may be required to repair the damage depending on the severity of pneumothorax.
For recovery stage, breathing and oxygen therapy may return the functioning of the lung. The doctor will be able to prescribe exercises and precautions to be taken in order to restore the proper functioning of breathing and lung.
