What causes bibasilar atelectasis?

Causes of Bibasilar Atelectasis

* Immobility: Prolonged immobility, such as bed rest or paralysis, can lead to bibasilar atelectasis. When you're immobile, your lungs don't expand and contract as fully as they should, which can cause the alveoli in the lower lobes of your lungs to collapse.

* Lung disease: Bibasilar atelectasis can also be caused by lung diseases that damage the alveoli, such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.

* Heart failure: Heart failure can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, which can put pressure on the alveoli and cause them to collapse.

* Tumors: Tumors in the lungs or mediastinum can also cause bibasilar atelectasis by blocking the airways and preventing air from reaching the lower lobes of the lungs.

Risk factors for bibasilar atelectasis:

* Older age: Bibasilar atelectasis is more common in older adults.

* Smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and increases the risk of bibasilar atelectasis.

* Obesity: Obesity can increase the risk of bibasilar atelectasis by putting pressure on the lungs.

* Chronic lung disease: People with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, are at increased risk of bibasilar atelectasis.

* Recent surgery: People who have recently had surgery are at increased risk of bibasilar atelectasis.