Bibasilar atelectasisis the collapse of the lower parts of both lungs.
It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and a productive cough.
The most common cause is a surgical complication from general anesthesia.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
Verywell / Joshua Seong
What is Bibasilar Atelectasis?
This causeshypoxia,in which organs and tissues don’t get enough oxygen.
There are twotypes of atelectasis: obstructive and nonobstructive.
Obstructive atelectasis happens when something is blocking the airway, such as a tumor or mucus plug.
Nonobstructive atelectasis occurs due to external pressure on the lungs.
Depending on the cause of the atelectasis, bibasilar obstructive or nonobstructive atelectasis can occur.
Bibasilar means that it affects both the right and left lobes of the lungs.
Causes
There are obstructive and non-obstructive causes of basilar atelectasis.
Pneumothorax and atelectasis can cause similar symptoms.
If there is a collapse, yourbreathing soundsmay be quiet or absent in the lower areas of your lung.
Your healthcare provider will also perform percussion by gently tapping your chest.
The sound of the tapping will be different over areas of atelectasis than over healthy areas of the lung.
The treatment of bibasilar atelectasis varies by the underlying cause.
Irrespective of the cause, the ultimate goal is to re-expand the lung to its normal size.
A combination of approaches may be needed.
Mild cases of atelectasis may resolve on their own or quickly once the cause is identified and treated.
When treated early, atelectasis can be resolved without long-term lung harm.
If not treated early, bibasilar atelectasis can cause scarring of lung tissues.
This contraction of these tissues can lead to another form of atelectasis calledcicatrization atelectasis.
The outlook is far less favorable because the loss of lung volume is permanent and sometimes progressive.
Mild atelectasis that resolves quickly generally does not affect life expectancy.
However, severe or wide-spread atelectasis may be life-threatening, especially in someone with another lung disease or illness.
Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, a wet cough, and rapid, shallow breathing.
The outlook is generally good with the appropriate treatment.
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