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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffAtelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) — a complete or partial collapse of a lung — is a possible complication of many respiratory problems. Mucus in the airways after surgery, cystic fibrosis, inhaled foreign objects, severe asthma and chest injuries are among the common causes of atelectasis.
Unlike pneumothorax, which is air between the chest wall and lung, atelectasis develops when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated.
The amount of lung tissue involved in atelectasis is variable, depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms of atelectasis also vary with the underlying cause and the extent of lung involvement. Atelectasis can be serious because it impairs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the collapse.
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- Stark P. Atelectasis: Types and pathogenesis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 11, 2010.
- Finder JD. Atelectasis in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 11, 2010.
- Surka A, et al. Bronchoscopic myths and legends: Bronchoscopy in the treatment of lobar atelectasis. Clinical Pulmonary Medicine. 2007;14:302.
- Smith DA. Pulmonary emergencies. In: Stone CK, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Emergency Medicine. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3106264. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Atelectasis. In: Professional Guide to Diseases. 8th ed. Springhouse, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2005.
- Rozenfeld RA. Atelectasis. In: Kleigman, et al. Nelson's Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/181644491-2/0/1608/959.html?tocnode=54482623&fromURL=959.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-750409-6_7886. Accessed Feb. 3, 2010.
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