Atelectasis

Alternative names:

lung collapse - partial

Definition:

The collapse of part or all of a lung by blockage of the larger or smaller air passages (bronchus or bronchioles), or by very shallow breathing. See also pneumothorax.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Secretions which plug the airway, foreign objects in the airway (common in children), and pressure by tumor are causes of atelectasis. Anesthesia, prolonged bedrest with shallow breathing, and underlying lung diseases are risk factors.

In an adult, atelectasis is usually not life threatening, because unaffected parts of the lung compensate for the loss of function in the affected area. In a baby or infant, lung collapse due to a mucus obstruction or other causes can be life threatening. Massive atelectasis may result in the collapse of a lung.