What is the term for the collapse of alveoli in pneumothorax?

• A. Atelectasis
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Emphysema
• D. Interstitial lung disease

Answer: (A)

Atelectasis refers to the collapse or closure of a lung or a part of a lung, specifically the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. In the context of a pneumothorax, which is the presence of air in the pleural space that can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung, atelectasis occurs because the negative pressure that aids in keeping the alveoli open is disrupted. This collapse results in reduced gas exchange and can lead to respiratory distress.

In contrast, pneumonia refers to an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus, which is a different pathological condition. Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of alveoli leading to breathing difficulties, but it does not specifically relate to the concept of collapse in the acute sense as seen with pneumothorax. Interstitial lung disease encompasses a variety of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue but does not directly refer to alveolar collapse in the context described. Hence, the term that best describes the collapse of alveoli in pneumothorax is indeed atelectasis.