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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffThe following complications may result from atelectasis:
- Low blood oxygen (hypoxemia). Atelectasis hampers your lungs' ability to get oxygen to the alveoli.
- Lung scarring. Some damage or scarring may remain after the lung is reinflated, resulting in bronchiectasis.
- Pneumonia. You're at greater risk of developing pneumonia until the atelectasis has been cleared.
- Respiratory failure. A small area of atelectasis, especially in an adult, usually is treatable. But a large area, particularly in an infant or in someone with lung disease, can be life-threatening.
References
- Ali J. Perioperative respiratory failure. In: Hall JB, et al. Principles of Critical Care. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical Pub. Division; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2296794. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- 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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