Atelectasis is defined as collapse of a part of the lung or the whole lung, where the alveoli are deflated, as distinct from pulmonary consolidation .

Contents

1 Causes 2 Symptoms 3 Diagnosis 4 Treatment

Causes

The most common cause is post-surgical atelectasis, due to restricted breathing after abdominal surgery. Smokers and the elderly are at much increased risk. Outside of this context, atelectasis implies some blockage of a bronchiole or bronchus, which can be within the airway (foreign body, mucus plug), from the wall (tumor, usually SCC) or compressing from the outside (tumor, lymph node, tubercle)

Symptoms

• cough, but not prominent
• chest pain (rare)
• breathing difficulty
• low oxygen saturation

Diagnosis

• chest X-ray

Post-surgical atelectais will be bibasal in pattern.

Treatment

As per the underlying cause. Post-surgical atelectasis is treated by physiotherapy, focussing of deep breathing and encouraging coughing. Atelectasis per se does not require antibiotics.