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.
Possible Complications Pneumonia may develop quickly after atelectasis in the affected part of the lung. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call 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. Harron, Jr. Editorial team. Find a Doctor Request a Callback.
Share This Page: Post Tweet. Atelectasis is when one or more lobes sections of the lung collapse because of a blockage or pressure inside or outside the bronchial tubes in the lungs. The blockage causes air to become trapped, creating a sensation of shortness of breath. Blockages can be caused by:. Pneumothorax is the buildup of air or gas in the pleural space the space between the lung and chest wall , which causes the lung to collapse. Other conditions besides atelectasis can cause breathing difficulties and require an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
If your breathing becomes increasingly difficult, seek emergency medical help. Atelectasis occurs from a blocked airway obstructive or pressure from outside the lung nonobstructive.
General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular pattern of breathing and affects the exchange of lung gases, which can cause the air sacs alveoli to deflate. Nearly everyone who has major surgery develops some amount of atelectasis. It often occurs after heart bypass surgery. A small area of atelectasis, especially in an adult, usually is treatable.
The following complications may result from atelectasis:. Atelectasis in children is often caused by a blockage in the airway. To decrease atelectasis risk, keep small objects out of reach of children. In adults, atelectasis most commonly occurs after major surgery. If you're scheduled for surgery, talk with your doctor about strategies to reduce your risk. Some research suggests that certain breathing exercises and muscle training may lower the risk of atelectasis after certain surgeries.
This shrinkage can cause a blockage, which is what causes atelectasis. Treatment for these two conditions can vary. However, severe cases of atelectasis may require breathing exercises, mucus draining, bronchoscopy, inhaled medicines, or even tumor treatments, depending on the cause.
Similarly, an acute case of pneumothorax will likely need a needle puncture to relieve built-up air, a chest tube, or even surgery. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Top Reads in Health Education. Diabetes and exercise Nov. What is insulin resistance? Do coffee and diabetes mix? Diabetes in women Nov. Looking for a prescription?
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