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Diagnosed With A Linear Opacity Within The Lower Left Field Compatible With Minimal Atelectasis. Meaning?
Question: I was just diagnosed with a linear opacity within the lower left field compatible with minimal atelectasis. what does this mean?
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
The lungs are made up of numerous small tiny air spaces known as alveoli in which gaseous exchange occurs. After, expiration, a small quantity of air remains in these spaces to maintain these spaces open. When these spaces collapse, it is known as atelectasis.
Atelectasis results from blockage of airways or reduce air in airways such as occurs in surgery, presence of foreign body in the lungs, chronic lung infections such as tuberculosis, fungal infections and tumors all of which will narrow the airway leading to a collapse of the air filled alveoli.
In addition, atelectasis can result from trauma, pneumonia, pneumothorax (presence of air in between the two membranes that line the lungs), scarring of pleural membranes such as in people with asbestos exposure, tuberculosis and tumors.
Treatment options are dependent on the underlying cause and respiratory physiotherapy is widely employed to re-inflate the lungs.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further query, I will be ready to help.
Best regards.
Thanks for the query.
The lungs are made up of numerous small tiny air spaces known as alveoli in which gaseous exchange occurs. After, expiration, a small quantity of air remains in these spaces to maintain these spaces open. When these spaces collapse, it is known as atelectasis.
Atelectasis results from blockage of airways or reduce air in airways such as occurs in surgery, presence of foreign body in the lungs, chronic lung infections such as tuberculosis, fungal infections and tumors all of which will narrow the airway leading to a collapse of the air filled alveoli.
In addition, atelectasis can result from trauma, pneumonia, pneumothorax (presence of air in between the two membranes that line the lungs), scarring of pleural membranes such as in people with asbestos exposure, tuberculosis and tumors.
Treatment options are dependent on the underlying cause and respiratory physiotherapy is widely employed to re-inflate the lungs.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further query, I will be ready to help.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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