Overview
Atelectasis describes the partial or complete reversible collapse of the small airways and deflation of the alveoli resulting in impaired gas exchange. It is different to a pneumothorax (another cause of collapsed lung) which occurs when air from the lung fills the pleural space.
Causes
The most common cause is post-surgery. Inadequate pain control can contribute to the development of atelectasis due to shallow breathing and inhibited coughing if they are painful to perform.
Presentation
It most commonly occurs after surgery (post-surgical atelectasis) and presents shortly after surgery with:
- Nothing – patients may be asymptomatic
- Shortness of breath
- Crackles
- Absent breath sounds
- Cough
Investigations
Atelectasis is usually clinically diagnosed in a patient post-surgery. If imaging is required, a chest X-ray or CT chest may be useful.
Management
Overview
Keeping the patient upright and chest physiotherapy are generally performed.
