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Atelectasis, Pediatric

Richard M. Kravitz, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • State of collapsed and airless alveoli

  • May be subsegmental, segmental, or lobar or may involve the entire lung

  • A radiographic sign of an underlying disease and not a diagnosis unto its...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Depends on the underlying disease process

  • May be asymptomatic

  • Cough and/or wheeze can be present.

  • Dyspnea

  • Chest pain

  • Special questions:

    • Is the atelectasis acute, recurrent, or chronic in te...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treat underlying disease (i.e., removal of aspirated foreign body, clearance of mucous plugs, treatment of any underlying infection).

  • Chest physical therapy +/− bronchodilator...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Expect improvement: 1 to 3 months in typical, uncomplicated cases. 

PROGNOSIS

  • Depends on the underlying disease process

  • In otherwise healthy indivi...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Altunhan H, Annagür A, Pekcan S, et al. Comparing the efficacy of nebulizer recombinant human DNase and hypertonic saline as monotherapy and combined treatment in the treatment of p...

CODES

ICD9

  • 518.0 Pulmonary collapse

  • 770.5 Other and unspecified atelectasis

  • 770.4 Primary atelectasis

  • 769 Respiratory distress syndrome in newborn

ICD10

  • J98.11 Atelectasis

  • P28.10 Unspecified atelectasis of n...

FAQ

  • Q: What should be considered if atelectasis is recurrent in nature but in different segments?

  • A: Asthma should always be considered if atelectasis is recurrent and in varying segments.

  • Q: When is th...

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