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Alternative names Return to top
Partial lung collapseDefinition Return to top
Atelectasis is the collapse of part or all of a lung by blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles), or by very shallow breathing. See also pneumothorax.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Anesthesia, prolonged bed rest with few changes in position and shallow breathing, and underlying lung diseases are risk factors for atelectasis. Secretions that plug the airway, foreign objects (common in children) in the airway, and tumors that obstruct the airway may lead to atelectasis.
In an adult, small regions of atelectasis are usually not life-threatening, because unaffected parts of the lung compensate for the loss of function in the affected area. Large-scale atelectasis, especially in someone who has another lung disease or illness may be life-threatening. In a baby or small child, lung collapse due to a mucus obstruction or other causes can be life-threatening.
Massive atelectasis may result in the collapse of a lung.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is to remove pulmonary (lung) secretions and re-expand the affected lung tissue.
The following treatments may be implemented:
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The collapsed lung usually re-inflates gradually once the obstruction has been removed, although some residual scarring or damage may be present.Complications Return to top
Pneumonia may develop rapidly after atelectasis.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of atelectasis.Prevention Return to top
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |