Abstract:
Atelectasis is defined as the the loss of lung volume due to collapse of lung tissue and is usually associated with symptoms of respiratory distress, including increased work of breathing and increased oxygen requirements. It is common in hospitalized patients with limited mobility and in patients with underlying lung conditions. Treatment is largely supportive when no underlying condition is identified. It is rare to occur in otherwise healthy individuals. The patient in this case presented to the emergency department with complaints of progressive shortness of breath, productive cough, chest tightness, subjective fever, chills, and nasal congestion for two weeks. Physical exam revealed decreased breath sounds on the left side, raising the suspicion for atelectasis or pneumothorax. Chest X-ray revealed complete white-out of the left lung. Bronchoscopy was performed and revealed mucus impaction in the left mainstem bronchus, which was removed. Repeat chest X-ray revealed resolution of atelectasis. The patient\'s symptoms improved, and she was discharged with outpatient pulmonary follow-up. The case described below illustrates that even in young patients with no underlying comorbidities, other than obesity, atelectasis as a cause of respiratory complaints should always be considered.
摘要:
肺不张被定义为由于肺组织塌陷而导致的肺容量损失,通常与呼吸窘迫的症状有关。包括增加呼吸功和增加氧气需求。常见于行动不便的住院患者和患有潜在肺部疾病的患者。当没有发现潜在的疾病时,治疗在很大程度上是支持性的。在其他健康的个体中很少发生。在这种情况下,患者出现在急诊科,抱怨呼吸急促,生产性咳嗽,胸闷,主观发烧,发冷,还有两个星期的鼻塞.体格检查显示左侧呼吸音减少,怀疑肺不张或气胸.胸部X光显示左肺完全白掉。进行支气管镜检查,发现左侧主支气管有粘液嵌塞,被删除了。重复胸部X线检查显示肺不张消退。病人的症状有所改善,她在门诊肺部随访中出院。下面描述的案例说明,即使在没有潜在合并症的年轻患者中,除了肥胖,应始终考虑肺不张作为呼吸系统疾病的原因。