Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Bilateral Basilar Atelectasis
Question: My mother has had her right pluera drained about 2 weeks ago, she still has effusion in the left. Her breathing was incredibly better post draining even with a pneumothorax, which was cleared up with a chest tube. A few days later she was short of breath again. The oncologist ordered an x-ray done friday, which showed a decreased plural effusion on the right and moderate left plural effusion. Yesterday we signed up for receiving her medical information online and repeatedly we saw an additional diagnosis which was not included in any of our appointments. Bilateral basilar atelectasis, I read on the internet it is a collapse of the lower aveoli and can be treated with deep breathing therapy. Can you tell me how she should go about doing that?
Brief Answer:
Spirometer or pranayama is good.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
After going through clinical details and present query, my comment is as follows:
1. Deep breathing exercises are helpful in atelectasis. Our usual breathing involves only chest muscles, Deep breathing involves diaphgram involvement. She should feel it working. She can start at 10 deep breaths and go upto 30 deep breaths. Deep breathing exercise, preferably in empty stomach or atleast 2 hours after any food.
2. Spirometric exercises are usually usefully to aerate the deeper alveolis. It involves a small machine, in which you blow the air to move the balls to a higher level. As time progresses you can appreciate the improvement. You can buy a spirometer, which is available in market.
3. Pranayama - a method of yoga exercises, involving sets of deep breathing. If you can find a instructor, this is one of the best breathing exercises. If not, try to follow videos, or instructional material on web.
4. Take physiotherapy also. Physiotherpaist can guide you during the initial phase.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Spirometer or pranayama is good.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
After going through clinical details and present query, my comment is as follows:
1. Deep breathing exercises are helpful in atelectasis. Our usual breathing involves only chest muscles, Deep breathing involves diaphgram involvement. She should feel it working. She can start at 10 deep breaths and go upto 30 deep breaths. Deep breathing exercise, preferably in empty stomach or atleast 2 hours after any food.
2. Spirometric exercises are usually usefully to aerate the deeper alveolis. It involves a small machine, in which you blow the air to move the balls to a higher level. As time progresses you can appreciate the improvement. You can buy a spirometer, which is available in market.
3. Pranayama - a method of yoga exercises, involving sets of deep breathing. If you can find a instructor, this is one of the best breathing exercises. If not, try to follow videos, or instructional material on web.
4. Take physiotherapy also. Physiotherpaist can guide you during the initial phase.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
