Guide To The Causes And Risk Factors Of Atelectasis

Chest Trauma

Anyone who has experienced chest trauma is at a greater risk of developing atelectasis. There are several mechanisms that cause an increase in risk. When an individual experiences severe blunt trauma to their chest, such as from a car collision or high fall, tissue injury can cause blood and proteins to leak into the airways supplying the alveoli. These substances obstruct the airway, effectively stopping the alveoli from receiving inhaled air. Swelling as a result of general chest trauma can cause tissues in the lung to compress against each other and stop the flow of air to the alveoli. Blunt trauma to the chest causes the alveoli in the area to become unstable and at a greater risk of collapsing. An individual who has experienced chest trauma that has formed significant scarring inside of the lungs can develop obstructive atelectasis when the scar tissue obstructs an airway. Penetrating trauma to the chest can cause a leakage of air out of the lung, causing the alveoli to collapse due to an absence of air. Chest trauma can cause fluids or blood to leak into the membrane that surrounds the lungs, causing an increase of external pressure on the lungs. The external pressure compresses the airways and can cause an obstruction. Patients taking respiratory suppressing pain medications during trauma recovery, or who have had surgery to treat their trauma are at a higher risk of atelectasis.

Uncover details on the next risk factor associated with atelectasis now.