What causes atelectasis?

What causes atelectasis?

Atelectasis has many causes. Any condition that makes it hard to take deep breaths or cough can lead to a collapse in the lung.

People may call atelectasis or other conditions a “collapsed lung.” Another condition that commonly causes a collapsed lung is pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is the presence of air between the lung and the chest wall, which can cause the lung to collapse.

Causes

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common reason people develop atelectasis. Medicine to keep you asleep during surgery (anesthesia) can affect your ability to breathe normally or cough. Pain after surgery could make deep breaths painful. Continued shallow breathing because of the pain can lead to deflated air sacs.
• Chest pressure: Pressure from outside the lungs can make deep breathing difficult. This type of pressure can come from a tumor or other growth, a deformed bone, or a tight brace or body cast. If the cause of the pressure is not clear, your doctor will do additional tests to identify its source.
• Blocked airway: A blocked airway can also cause atelectasis. If air cannot get past the blockage, the affected part of the lung could collapse. Mucus or an inhaled object could cause a blockage.
• Other lung conditions: Other medical conditions involving the lungs can also be associated with atelectasis. These disorders could include lung cancer, pneumonia, pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).