P28: Other respiratory conditions originating in the perinatal period
P28.0: Primary atelectasis of newborn
The lungs are on the left and right side of the ribcage. They are also connected to the nose and mouth via the bronchial tubes and windpipe (trachea). You need lungs to breath. When we breathe in, oxygen enters the lungs and accumulates in the blood. This blood then flows to the heart. The heart then pumps the oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. All of the organs are supplied with oxygen as a result.
The lungs are made up of lots of small alveoli. These are air sacs with a thin wall. Normally the child’s pulmonary alveoli fill with air immediately after birth when the first breath is taken. For a variety of reasons, the pulmonary alveoli in certain areas may not fill up with air. This can occur with premature babies, for example.
If the pulmonary alveoli do not fill up with air, the affected areas in the lungs do not get properly oxygenated. As a result it may be that the child’s lungs can absorb less oxygen than usual. There may be various indications that areas of the lungs are not being properly oxygenated. These include breathlessness and accelerated breathing. The skin may also be blueish.
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The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.