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Atelectasis - Overview

Alternative Names

Partial lung collapse

Definition of Atelectasis:

Atelectasis is the collapse of part or all of a lung.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Atelectasis is caused by a blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles) or by pressure on the outside of the lung.

Risk factors for developing atelectasis include:

Anesthesia
Foreign object in the airway (most common in children)
Lung diseases
Mucus that plugs the airway
Pressure on the lung caused by buildup of fluid between the ribs and the lungs
Prolonged bed rest with few changes in position
Shallow breathing
Tumors that obstruct the airway may lead to atelectasis

Bronchoscopy

Lungs

Respiratory system

Reviewed last on: 8/29/2008
Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, WA; Benjamin Medoff, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Murray JF, Nadel JA. Mason, Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders; 2005.

Westerdahl E, Lindmark B, Eriksson T, Friberg O, Hedenstierna G, Tenling A. Deep-breathing exercises reduce atelectasis and improve pulmonary function after coronary artery bypass surgery. Chest. November 2005;128:3482-3488.

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