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Atelectasis

Definition

Atelectasis is the collapse of part or, much less commonly, all of a lung.

Causes

Atelectasis is caused by a blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles) or by pressure on the outside of the lung. Atelectasis is not the same as another type of collapsed lung called pneumothorax, which occurs when air escapes from the lung. The air then fills the space outside of the lung, between the lung and chest wall. In atelectasis, there is usually fluid between the lung and the chest wall and the air sacs within the lung fill with fluid.

Common situations in people with atelectasis include:

• There is fluid or a tumor that compresses the lung.

• There is a blockage in the airway not allowing air into the air sacs of the lung.

• The air sacs collapse when the lung has a condition that decreases production of a protein, called surfactant that normally keeps the air sacs open.

Atelectasis is common after surgery or in people who are or were in the hospital.

Risk factors for developing atelectasis include:

• Anesthesia

• Use of a breathing tube

• Foreign object in the airway (most common in children)

• Lung disease

• Mucus that plugs the airway

• Pressure on the lung caused by a buildup of fluid between the ribs and the lungs (called a pleural effusion)

• Prolonged bed rest with few changes in position

• Shallow breathing (may be caused by painful breathing or muscle weakness as in people who have had surgery)

• Tumors that block an airway

Symptoms

Symptoms may include any of the following:

• Breathing difficulty

• Chest pain

• Cough

There are no symptoms if atelectasis is mild.

Exams and Tests

To confirm if you have atelectasis and determine its cause, the following tests will likely be done to view the lungs and airways:

• Physical exam by auscultating (listening) or percussing (tapping) the chest

• Bronchoscopy

• Chest CT or MRI scan

• Chest x-ray

• Ultrasound of the chest

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to treat the underlying cause and re-expand the collapsed lung tissue. If fluid is putting pressure on the lung, removing the fluid may allow the lung to expand.

Treatments include one or more of the following:

• Clap (percussion) on the chest to loosen mucus plugs in the airway.

• Deep breathing exercises (with the help of incentive spirometry devices).

• Remove or relieve any blockage in the airways by bronchoscopy.

• Tilt the person so the head is lower than the chest (called postural drainage). This allows mucus to drain more easily.

• Treat a tumor or other condition.

• Turn the person to lie on the healthy side, allowing the collapsed area of lung to re-expand.

• Use inhaled medicines to open the airway.

• Use other devices that help increase positive pressure in the airways and clear fluids.

• Be physically active if possible

Outlook (Prognosis)

In an adult, atelectasis in a small area of the lung is usually not life threatening. The rest of the lung can make up for the collapsed area, bringing in enough oxygen for the body to function.

Large areas of atelectasis may be life threatening, often in a baby or small child, or in someone who has another lung disease or illness.

The collapsed lung usually reinflates slowly if the airway blockage has been removed. Scarring or damage may remain.

The outlook depends on the underlying disease. For example, people with extensive cancer often don't do well, while those with simple atelectasis after surgery have a very good outcome.

Possible Complications

Pneumonia may develop quickly after atelectasis in the affected part of the lung.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider right away if you develop symptoms of atelectasis.

Prevention

To prevent atelectasis:

• Encourage movement and deep breathing in anyone who is bedridden for long periods.

• Keep small objects out of the reach of young children.

• Maintain deep breathing after anesthesia.

References

Frohlich M, Prentice B, Jaffé A. Air and fluid in the pleural space, and atelectasis. In: Bush A, Deterding R, Li AM, et al. Kendig and Wilmott's Disorders of the Respiratory Tract in Children. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 81.

O'Donnell AE. Bronchiectasis, atelectasis, and cavitary or cystic lung diseases. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 78.

Rozenfeld RA. Atelectasis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 459.

Review Date: 8/19/2024

Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.