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Atelectasis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Partial lung collapse

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to remove pulmonary (lung) secretions and re-expand the affected lung tissue.

The following are treatments for atelectasis:

• Use aerosolized respiratory treatments to open the airway.
• Position the body on the unaffected side to allow the lung to re-expand.
• Remove any obstruction by bronchoscopy or another procedure .
• Perform deep breathing exercises (incentive spirometry).
• Clap ( percussion ) on the chest to loosen mucus.
• Tilt the body (postural drainage) so that the head is lower than the chest to drain mucus.
• Treat a tumor or underlying condition, if present.

Expectations (prognosis):

The collapsed lung usually re-inflates gradually once the obstruction has been removed. However, some residual scarring or damage may occur.

Complications:

Pneumonia may develop rapidly after atelectasis.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of atelectasis.

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.

• Review Date: 3/13/2007
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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