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What is the Lingula of the lung? This "tongue like" structure is actually present on the left side of the lung. Only the left side of the lung has this mysterious anatomical feature. Let's learn more about this biological appendage and how collapse of this body part can bring serious complications.

The lingula can be described as a small tongue-like structure, which happens to be one of the segments of the left lung. In humans, the left lung does not contain a middle lobe, unlike the right lung. There is a theory that the lingula of the left lobe is actually a remnant of the left lung's middle lobe, which has gotten lost through evolution. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this belief. The term lingula denotes the projection of the left lung's upper lobe, which serves as the homologue. This projection has two bronchopulmonary segments - inferior lingular and superior lingular. This distinct lobe is sometimes also referred to as "the tongue in the lung". Like other parts of the lung, the lingula is quite likely to get affected by lung diseases and infections, including atelectasis.

Atelectasis is a condition in which the entire lung or a specific lobe in the lung gets deflated and does not expand properly. There are several factors that could trigger off this medical problem, some of which include an obstruction in the airways, excessive mucus production, tumors, lung diseases or infections, injuries, use of anesthesia and smoking, to name a few. Children too can experience atelectasis especially if their lungs have not developed properly (like in the case of premature babies) or if they inhale foreign objects such as small toys. This condition may be dangerous, or even life-threatening, depending upon its causes. Over a period of time, atelectasis has an adverse effect on the exchange of gas in your body. Therefore, it should be checked and treated by a doctor immediately. At times, the collapse of the left lower lobe is accompanied by lingular atelectasis.

Many people do not even realize that they are suffering from atelectasis in the lingula, as they do not experience any adverse symptoms. In such instances, the condition only comes to light, when they undergo a chest x-ray or an ultrasound for other medical conditions. However, lingular atelectasis is more apparent as compared to the conventional signs of lower left lung collapse. Some of the symptoms that may alert you to the problem include -

• Heavy or shallow breathing
• Coughing, with or without mucus
• Mild fever
• Pain in the chest

These symptoms are not specific to atelectasis in the lingula and may be evident in case of other pulmonary problems too. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor in case you experience any of the signs mentioned above. You will probably need to go in for a chest x-ray or an ultrasound to determine the extent of the problem.

The treatment of lingular atelectasis may vary, depending upon its causes.

• At first, your physician may advise you to undergo chest physiotherapy, which includes deep breathing exercises and coughing.
• Additionally, a bronchodilator may also be used to open the bronchi and clear out the excessive phlegm. At times, doctors suction out the mucus from the lungs using a bronchoscope.
• The use of supplemental oxygen may also relieve the symptoms and keep your lung partially expanded.
• Positioning yourself in a way that your head is placed lower that your chest may also be quite helpful. This is known as postural drainage and it allows the mucus to drain from the bottom of your lungs more effectively.
• Medicines like inhaled bronchodilators may be prescribed, to open up the bronchial tubes in the lungs, which makes it easy to breathe

In case you are suffering from atelectasis because of a tumor of an obstruction, your doctor may advise you to undergo a surgery.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1859327

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