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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFactors that increase the risk of atelectasis include:
- Premature birth, if the lungs aren't fully developed
- Impaired swallowing function, particularly in older adults — aspirating secretions into the lungs is a major source of infections
- Any condition that interferes with spontaneous coughing, yawning and sighing
- Lung disease, such as asthma, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis
- Confinement to bed, with infrequent change of position
- Abdominal or chest surgery
- Recent general anesthesia
- Shallow breathing — a result of abdominal pain or rib fracture, for example
- Respiratory muscle weakness, due to muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury or another neuromuscular condition
- Obesity — fat in the abdomen can elevate your diaphragm and hamper your ability to inhale fully
- Age — being a young child between the ages of 1 and 3
References
- Duggana M, et al. Atelectasis in the perioperative patient. Current Opinions in Anaesthesiology. 2007;20:37.
- Johnson MM, et al. Overview of the management of postoperative pulmonary complications. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed June 4, 2012.
- O'donnell AE. Bronchiectasis, Atelectasis, Cysts, and Localized Lung Disorders. Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed June 4, 2012.
- Smetana GW, et al. Strategies to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed June 6, 2012.
- Limper AH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 6, 2012.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 10, 2012.
- Stark P et al. Atelectasis: Types and pathogenesis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 31, 2012.
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