Question

Alveoli are most likely to collapse (resulting in atelectasis) when which condition exists

Answer 1

A complete or partial collapse of the region of the lung or the entire lung is known as atelectasis. It takes place when the alveoli present inside the lungs get filled with alveolar fluid or becomes deflated. It is one of the most general breathing issues post-surgery. However, the condition can also take place due to various other respiratory issues like lung tumors, cystic fibrosis, and fluid in the lung, chest injuries, and respiratory weakness.

Answer 2

Atelectasis: Atelectasis is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. . General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular pattern of breathing and affects the exchange of lung gases, which can cause the air sacs (alveoli) to deflate.

Conditions when atelectasis occurs: There are four primary causes of atelectasis: hypoventilation, airway obstruction, airway compression, and adhesions.

Hypoventilation

Hypoventilation, or breathing at an abnormally slow rate, is common during surgery, especially with general anesthesia, or when a person is placed on a respirator. The very act of shallow breathing prevents air from getting to the alveoli, causing the air sacs to deflate and collapse.

Airway Obstruction

Airway obstruction may be caused when something blocks a passage either inside the lung (like a mucus plug or a foreign object) or outside of the lungs (like a tumor which presses on the airway and causes obstruction).

Airway Compression

Compression of the airways is often caused by the buildup of fluid in the space surrounding the lungs.