lung CT shows atelectasis

[car54]

I had a lung CT because of a possible  pulmonary embolism, results were negative.

It did show "Areas of atelectasis are present in the dependent portions of the lungs."

Here is what MAYO clinic says,
Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is the collapse of a lung or part of a lung, also known as a lobe. It happens when tiny air sacs within the lung, called alveoli, lose air.

Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing complications after surgery. It's also a possible complication of other respiratory problems, including cystic fibrosis, lung tumors, chest injuries, fluid in the lung and respiratory weakness. You may develop atelectasis if you breathe in a foreign object.



This condition can make breathing hard, particularly if you already have lung disease. Treatment depends on what's causing the collapse and how severe it is.
The definition of atelectasis is broader than pneumothorax (noo-moe-THOR-aks). Pneumothorax is when air leaks into the space between your lungs and chest wall, causing part or all of a lung to collapse. Pneumothorax is one of several causes of atelectasis.

Does any one have any insight on this.
Thanks

[Sleeprider]

Have you ever had a pulmonary function test? It would identify if the atelectasis has any effect on your lung function. I learned things during CT and MRI that I didn't even know I had like stenosis of the cervical spine. Never affected me, so I have pretty much just disregarded it.

[car54]

I have COPD, allergies and asthma. My lung function is at 50%.

I am wondering if that is why my respiratory rate goes up while I am sleeping.

[Jay51]

I agree with Sleeprider. 

From all of what I have learned here at ApneaBoard and from all of my discussions with my Pulmonologist, you are correct in your thinking car54. 

Minute ventilation = respiratory rate x tidal volume.  

The body will try to keep minute ventilation pretty stable during sleep (there are times it will vary though).  

If one (respiratory rate or tidal volume) decreases significantly, the other has to increase.  

Since your tidal volume is being affected by the Atelectasis, your respiratory rate naturally goes up to compensate.  Air exchange between O2 and CO2 is also being affected by COPD).  

Machines like I have (VAPS - Volume Assured Pressure Support) can ensure every single breath that you take all night long is at least a certain number "x". 

Might be worth discussing with Pulmonologist.

[SarcasticDave94]

A case for ST-A running iVAPS possibly? That's what I've been trying for with my COPD and CA.

[Sleeprider]

Car54, I noticed your profile is showing a Vauto now. Back at the beginning of the year, your were using an Airsense 10 For her and your graphs had some odd hesitations in inspiration and sometime expiration. Other than that your volume was fine. Did the Vauto clean things up?

[car54]

Sleeprider, 
3 years ago I bought my own Aircurve 10 to help with flow limitations and very erratic respiration rates. It has improved both of them.

I saw my pulmonologist today. She was not concerned about the atelectasis, it is small and should not affect anything.

I switched to this doctor about 2 years ago and she has been able to help with my COPD.
She is very easy to talk to and she listens. I like her.
She is aware that I change my settings.
She knows about the Apnea Board Forum. I told her that I recently put a new motor in my machine and showed interest in how to do it.

[Rickyricardo]

I had a PE 22 years ago and the first thing they ordered after dealing with the emergent part and setting up an anticoagulation regimen, was a complete set of pulmonary function tests, so has the hospital done that?

[car54]

I have been on blood thinner for years because of blood clots. All my test came back very good except for a few things which are not much of a concern. I had a leg ultrasound, lung CT with and without contrast , complete blood work and an EKG. The worst part was removing the EKG pads from my hairy chest. !0 of them, ouch!