What does dependent atelectasis mean?
Gravity-dependent atelectasis refers to a form of lung atelectasis which occurs in the dependent portions of the lungs due to a combination of reduced alveolar volume and increased perfusion. Being due to gravity, it usually has a dependent and subpleural distribution.
Is Bibasilar atelectasis normal?

Share on Pinterest Bibasilar atelectasis is most common after a major surgical procedure. It is most common for a person to experience bibasilar atelectasis after they have undergone a major surgical procedure, involving general anesthesia.
Why do I have atelectasis?
Atelectasis occurs from a blocked airway (obstructive) or pressure from outside the lung (nonobstructive). General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular pattern of breathing and affects the exchange of lung gases, which can cause the air sacs (alveoli) to deflate.
How do you get atelectasis?
What can cause atelectasis?
Possible causes of nonobstructive atelectasis include:

- Injury. Chest trauma — from a fall or car accident, for example — can cause you to avoid taking deep breaths (due to the pain), which can result in compression of your lungs.
- Pleural effusion.
- Pneumonia.
- Pneumothorax.
- Scarring of lung tissue.
- Tumor.
Can atelectasis be permanent?
After treatment, a collapsed lung usually begins working the way it should again. But atelectasis can cause permanent damage in some cases.
What is the difference between bibasilar and basilar atelectasis?
Atelectasis is a partial or overall collapse of one or both of the lungs. It occurs when tiny air sacs in the lungs known as alveoli deflate. Bibasilar atelectasis is the collapse of the lowest lobes in both lungs. Understanding about the lung is important when finding out about basilar atelectasis.
When does bibasilar atelectasis cause lung collapse?
This may result in collapse of the lung or bibasilar atelectasis. When there is scarring in the lungs caused by chronic infections such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, or some other lung diseases, it may narrow the airways. The narrowing of airways restricts the air passage resulting is atelectasis.
What does it mean to have mild reliant atelectasis?
Atelectasis is likewise known as a collapsed lung or partly collapsed lung. When a lung collapses, even partly, it impacts the quality of oxygen that is carried to various organs. If the lungs are impacted partially, this condition is called mild reliant atelectasis.
What kind of test is used to diagnose bibasilar atelectasis?
An imaging test such as an X-ray serves as a confirmatory test in the diagnosis of bibasilar atelectasis. It will be able to show any blockage or collapse of the lung that produces the symptoms the patient is manifesting [1]. A pulmonary function test may be requested by the physician to identify the extent of compromised to the lungs.
What is bibasilar scarring?
Its definition is derived from the Greek words that mean incomplete extension. Basilar atelectasis is a condition in which the bottom portion of the lung or some parts of the bottom lung is collapsed, this results in what is known as bibasilar scarring of that portion of the lung.
How is bibasilar opacities treated?
Bibasilar atelectasis treatment. Treatment of this condition largely depends on the cause. When the condition is mild, it may subside without any need for treatment. However, if there are underlying causes for the condition like tumors then radiation, chemotherapy or surgery may be performed to remove the growth.
What is difference between atelectasis and emphysema?
As nouns the difference between atelectasis and emphysema is that atelectasis is (medicine) the collapse of a part of or the whole lung caused by inner factors rather than a pneumothorax while emphysema is (pathology) an abnormal accumulation of air in tissues, most commonly the lungs.
Does atelectasis go away?
Treatment. Treatment of atelectasis depends on the cause. Mild atelectasis may go away without treatment. Sometimes, medications are used to loosen and thin mucus. If the condition is due to a blockage, surgery or other treatments may be needed.