Collapsed part of the lung (atelectasis)

Overview

Pain after surgery makes people take shallow breaths.

A blocked airway or fluid around the lung can also cause it.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Shortness of breath

Less common

• Cough
• Fast breathing

Look up a symptom: Cough · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Shallow breathing, blockage.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• After surgery
• Smoking

Possible complications

• Pneumonia

Diagnosis

A chest X-ray shows it.

The exam

Lung exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Chest X-ray:
• CT: Sometimes.

Treatment

Breathe deep.

Self-care

• Use an incentive spirometer 10 times an hour while awake
• Cough with a pillow against your belly
• Walk as soon as allowed
• Take pain medicine so you can breathe deeply

Prevention

To prevent:

• Deep breathing after surgery

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually reopens.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Collapsed part of the lung (atelectasis)