Browse Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Preventing Atelectasis

Measures to prevent atelectasis are related to the various causes. They include:

If you smoke, stop.
If you are obese, lose weight.
If you have a chronic lung or heart condition, follow your doctor's advice for managing the disease and limiting complications.
If you are pregnant, get prenatal care and follow your doctor's instructions.
Try not to inhale something solid. For example, chew your food well before swallowing.
After surgery, follow instructions for deep breathing, coughing, and turning. Ask for pain medication if discomfort is limiting movement or coughing.

RESOURCES:

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/

National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Canadian Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca/

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/

References:

Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000.

Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult . 2001 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001.

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 16th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000.

Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine . Philadelphia, PA: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.; 1998.

Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.

Last reviewed November 2008 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Atelectasis Support Group

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