primary atelectasis

primary atelectasis

n.

Failure of the lungs to expand after birth, as in stillborn infants or in liveborn infants who die before respiration is established. Also called anectasis.

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primary atelectasis,

failure of the lungs to expand fully at birth, most commonly seen in premature infants or those narcotized by maternal anesthesia. The infant is usually cared for in an incubator in which the temperature and humidity may be closely monitored. Nursing care includes changing the infant's position frequently to assist respiration, suctioning to remove bronchial secretions, and feeding very slowly to prevent abdominal distension.

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atelectasis

a collapsed or airless state of the lung, which may be acute or chronic, and may involve all or part of the lung. See also microatelectasis.

The primary cause of atelectasis is obstruction of the bronchus serving the affected area. In fetal atelectasis the lungs fail to expand normally at birth.

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congenital atelectasis

that present at (primary atelectasis) or immediately after (secondary atelectasis) birth.

lobar atelectasis

that affecting only a lobe of the lung.

lobular atelectasis

that affecting only a lobule of the lung.

primary atelectasis

congenital atelectasis in which the alveoli have never been expanded with air.

secondary atelectasis

congenital atelectasis in which resorption of the contained air has led to collapse of the alveoli.