Afflictions In The Lungs
Many people suffer from a respiratory condition, sometimes it is life threatening, other times it passes without treatment. One condition is called Atelectasis, which is fairly common and has a variety of causes. It is often discovered an diagnosed via an x ray, and sometimes occurs after an operation. There are a variety of medical conditions that also cause Atelectasis, and the eldery, along with smokers, have more of a likelihood of suffering from this condition. But what is Atelectasis? This condition implies that there is a deflation of part of the lung which causes difficulty breathing. Many patients suffer from this condition after undergoing surgery in the abdomen.
Chronic Atelectasis can present itself in two forms. Sometimes caused by the pressure of a tumor, part of the lung contracts. In the other case, part of the lung will collapse entirely due to scar tissue. In an x ray, it can easily be mistaken for a tumor, due to it’s “rounded” appearance. This particular case is often the result of a disease caused by asbestos exposure. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may be suffering from this condition: occasional cough, pain in the chest area, difficulty breathing, fast pulse, fever, cyanosis, and irregular oxygen saturation.
When it comes to the treatment procedures for this particular condition, it will vary depending on the cause. If it is simply the result of abdominal surgery, occurring post operation, treatment will be primarily physiotherapy. The treatment will focus on breathing exercises, where coughing will be encouraged. A form of pressurized oxygen is also a useful treatment for those with other and preexisting conditions. If the cause of the condition is due to a block in the lungs, it can be coughed away or sucked out to open up the passage once more. Chronic cases are often treated with specific medications, being that an infection is common with this condition. If the condition is extreme, surgery can correct cases that involve bleeding, with an operation that removes the part of the lung that is infected.
As for exactly what causes lung nodules, there many answers. As mentioned above, there are generally two forms of this particular condition when diagnosed as chronic. One is often caused by a growth such as a tumor, and another can be the result of other medical conditions and diseases. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms or have undergone recent surgery.
