Atelectasis (Collapsed Lung)

Advanced agePremature birth Lung diseases, such as: AsthmaLung cancerEmphysemaPulmonary edemaPneumothoraxPleural effusionSmokingCongestive heart failureObesityScoliosis Conditions that limit physical activity such as stroke , spinal cord injury, heart problems, trauma , or severe illness of any kind Anesthesia , especially in patients who are obese or smoke Breathing supplemental 100% oxygenBreathing in a foreign body, such as a peanut or a marbleInjury to the chest wall SymptomsA collapsed lung may or may not cause symptoms. Small areas of collapse are less likely than larger areas to cause symptoms. Major atelectasis decreases the amount of oxygen available throughout the body. Symptoms that may occur if a large area has collapsed include: Rapid breathingShortness of breathTaking shallow breathsCoughingDecreased chest movement during breathingWheezingFeverRapid heart rateChest painBlueness of the lips or nails DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This may include listening to your lungs for changes in the normal sounds. Tests may include:

Chest x-ray a test that uses radiation to view the lungs and locate a collapsed area Bronchoscopy use of a thin, lighted tube, which is inserted down the throat, to examine the lungs and air passages Additional tests to assess the status of the heart, blood vessels, and airways TreatmentTreatment focuses on treating the underlying cause and maintaining adequate air supply. The collapsed lung usually expands once the underlying cause has been corrected. Atelectasis often resolves on its own without treatment.Treatments include: Physical TherapyThe therapist uses different techniques to help clear mucus from the lung. You will be positioned so that gravity helps secretions flow out of the body. When resting in bed, lie on the unaffected side to promote drainage from the lung that has collapsed. Respiratory Therapy This may include any or all of the following: Breathing masks or treatments to help keep your airways openIncentive spirometry to help you learn to take deeper breathsSuction to help remove secretionsA breathing machine, called a ventilator, if you are unable to breathe adequately on your own Medication Medications may include: Drugs to open the airwaysDrugs to treat the disease that caused the collapseAntibiotics to treat an infectionCardiac drugs to control heart diseaseInhalers and other drugs to manage asthma or emphysemaOxygen, if you are having trouble breathing BronchoscopyBronchoscopy may be used to remove a foreign body or mucus that is blocking the airway.

Prevention Measures to prevent atelectasis are related to the various causes. They include: If you smoke, stop.If you are obese, lose weight.If you have a chronic lung or heart condition, follow your doctor's advice for managing the disease and limiting complications.If you are pregnant, get prenatal care and follow your doctor's instructions.Try not to inhale something solid. For example, chew your food well before swallowing.After surgery, follow instructions for deep breathing, coughing, and turning. Ask for pain medication if discomfort is limiting movement or coughing. RESOURCES: American Lung Associationhttp://www.lungusa.org National Library of Medicinehttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/ CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guidehttp://www.bchealthguide.org/ The Canadian Lung Associationhttp://www.lung.ca References: Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000. Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult . 2001 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 16th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000. Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine . Philadelphia, PA: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.; 1998.

Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001. Last reviewed December 2007 by Jill Landis, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.