Definition

Atelectasis is a condition where a portion of the lung has collapsed or is not able to completely expand. Normally, oxygen enters the body through the lungs. Carbon dioxide is released through the lungs. The lungs expand and contract to create the exchange of these gases. Atelectasis is not a disease, but a condition or sign that results from disease or abnormalities in the body.

The Lungs (Cut-away View)

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Causes

Causes include:

• Fluid in or around the lungs
• Infection
• Blockage of airways in the lungs due to tumors, mucus, or a foreign object
• Compression, resulting from emphysema, an enlarged heart, or a tumor
• Restricted chest movement, due to bone or muscle problems, or recent abdominal surgery
• Scarring, as a result of radiation therapy, frequent infections, or disease
• Injuries
• Pneumothorax (leakage of air into the space surrounding the lungs)
• Lung immaturity in premature babies

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance for atelectasis include:

• Increased age
• Premature birth
• Lung diseases, such as:
  • Asthma
  • Lung cancer
  • Emphysema
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Pneumothorax
  • Pleural effusion
• Weakened respiratory muscles
• Smoking
• Congestive heart failure
• Obesity
• Conditions that limit physical activity such as stroke, spinal cord injury, heart problems, trauma, or severe illness of any kind
• Anesthesia, especially in patients who are obese or smoke
• Injury to the chest wall

Symptoms

A collapsed lung may or may not cause symptoms. Small areas of collapse are less likely than larger areas to cause symptoms. Major atelectasis decreases the amount of oxygen available throughout the body.

Symptoms that may occur if a large area has collapsed include:

• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Taking shallow breaths
• Coughing
• Decreased chest movement during breathing
• Mild fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Chest pain
• Blueness of the lips or nails

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This may include listening to your lungs for changes in the normal sounds.

Your doctor may need images of your lungs. This can be done with a chest x-ray.

Your doctor may need to examine your lungs and air passages. This can be done with a bronchoscopy.

Your doctor may also need to do additional tests to check your heart, blood vessels, and airways.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on treating the underlying cause and maintaining enough air supply. The collapsed lung usually expands after the underlying cause has been corrected. Atelectasis often resolves on its own without treatment.

Treatments include:

Prevention

Measures to prevent atelectasis are related to the various causes. They include:

• If you smoke, stop.
• If you are obese, lose weight.
• If you have a chronic lung or heart condition, follow your doctor's advice to manage the disease and limit complications.
• After surgery, follow instructions for deep breathing, coughing, and turning. Ask for pain medication if discomfort is limiting movement or coughing.