Lung Expansion Therapy Overview

A condition where part or all of a lung collapses, preventing the alveoli from filling with air.

Atelectasis caused by pressure on the lungs, often from a tumor or fluid build-up.

Atelectasis caused by the absorption of air from tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.

A technique using a device that encourages patients to take deep breaths and cough to prevent or treat atelectasis.

A type of non-invasive ventilation that helps patients breathe by delivering pressurized air through a mask.

A type of non-invasive ventilation where pressurized air is delivered continuously through a mask to keep airways open.

A type of non-invasive ventilation where pressurized air is delivered in short bursts to help the patient breathe.

A type of therapy that involves using a device to deliver positive pressure during exhalation, helping clear mucus from the lungs.

A lung sound that is normally heard over the trachea and large airways. It can be present with atelectasis as the lung becomes more consolidated.

A lung sound heard when listening over the lungs. It occurs when the airways are blocked and prevent breath sounds from being transmitted.

A lung sound that changes the letter "E" to "Aaay." It can be present with atelectasis due to consolidation of lung tissue.

A type of chest x-ray that can be used to confirm the presence of atelectasis.

A technique that helps to increase lung volume and prevent atelectasis. It involves taking deep breaths and holding them for a few seconds.

A technique that involves using a machine to deliver positive pressure to the lungs. This can help to prevent atelectasis.

A condition that can occur when atelectasis causes a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood.

A type of lung expansion therapy that applies pressure to the lungs during inspiration, expiration, or both. It increases pressure in the lungs (Palv) to help keep the alveoli open.

A measure of the difference in pressure between the alveoli and the pleura. It helps assess lung expansion and function.

Sounds heard during breathing, often indicating an abnormality in the lungs. They can range from faint crackles to wheezing or bronchial sounds.

The amount of oxygen in the blood, typically measured as a percentage.

Short, crackling sounds heard during breathing, often indicating fluid in the lungs or collapsed alveoli.

Rapid breathing, sometimes a sign of respiratory distress or difficulty breathing.

A method of delivering oxygen therapy through the nose with high flow rates.

The fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) is more stable with HFNC because of the higher inspiratory flow rates.

High flow rates in HFNC help to wash out carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lungs.

A risk of HFNC therapy where bacteria can grow in the device.

A potential outcome of HFNC therapy where the patient's chest x-ray shows improvement in lung condition.

A risk of HFNC therapy where the patient experiences a headache.

A risk of HFNC therapy where the patient's mouth and upper airway dry out.

A risk of HFNC therapy where mucus can build up in the airways due to inadequate humidification.

A condition where the lung collapses, preventing the air sacs from filling with air.

Therapy that uses positive pressure during exhalation to help clear mucus from the lungs.

Patients may require PEP if they have difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs, which often happens after lung surgery or in conditions like COPD.

Examples of reasons to avoid PEP therapy include an untreated pneumothorax and a baseline assessment that reveals other issues.

Potential complications of PEP therapy include dizziness, tingling in the extremities, and lightheadedness caused by hyperventilation.

When PEP therapy is discontinued, the patient should continue a daily regimen of pulmonary hygiene and dyspnea management.

PEP therapy is a common alternative for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or HFNC.

PEP therapy might be continued at home as part of a daily regimen for pulmonary hygiene and dyspnea management if the patient has non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis or severe COPD.