Atelectasis

Atelectasis is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery. It's also a possible complication of other respiratory problems, including cystic fibrosis, lung tumors, chest injuries, fluid in the lung and respiratory weakness. You may develop atelectasis if you breathe in a foreign object.
Perform deep breathing exercises regularly to help expand the lungs and improve ventilation.
Symptoms

Difficulty breathing

  • Rapidly developing

common

Abnormally rapid breathing

common

Fever

  • Less than 38°C (100.4°F), Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F)

common

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • Production of yellowish-gray mucus, Production of clear-white mucus, Dry at first then production of yellowish-gray mucus, Dry at first then production of clear/white mucus, Dry

  • Lasting 3 weeks or less

common

Chest discomfort

  • Right side, Left side

common

Rapid heart rate

Risk factors

Prolonged immobilization

or Lung cancer

or Recent chest injury or trauma

or Aspiration

or Infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs

or Anesthesia induction

or Recent hospitalization

  • On ventilator

or Cystic fibrosis

or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Treatment
Many cases of atelectasis get better without treatment under careful monitoring. Other treatments depend on the cause and extent of the collapse. Treatments could include: Deep breathing exercises using

incentive spirometry

. Removing obstructions in your lung. Physical therapy to help promote expansion of your lungs. Medications to open up your airways (bronchodilators) and to loosen and thin mucus (mucolytics). Treatment of tumor or chronic lung conditions.
Recommended specialist

If you have Atelectasis, then a visit to a pulmonologist is highly recommended.

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