Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing complications after surgery. It's also a possible complication of other respiratory problems, including cystic fibrosis, lung tumors, chest injuries, fluid in the lung and respiratory weakness. Treatment Treatment of atelectasis depends on the cause.

Context Explanation

Mild atelectasis may go away without treatment. Sometimes, medicines are used to loosen and thin mucus. If the condition is due to a blockage, you may need surgery or other treatments. Chest physical therapy Chest physical therapy, also called chest physiotherapy, is a group of airway clearance techniques.

Insight Material

They help you breathe deeply ... Atelectasis Atelectasis (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) is the collapse of a lung or part of a lung, also known as a lobe. It happens when tiny air sacs within the lung, called alveoli, lose air. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing complications after surgery. On the CT Scan they found no pericardial effusion, but they did find bibasilar subsegmental atelectasis.

Final Conclusion

This apparently is partial collapse of lungs, which appears to match my symptoms exactly. However, despite this diagnosis, my doctor does not think the atelectasis has anything to do with my breathing problems or chest pain. Atelectasis, the collapse of part or all of a lung, is caused by a blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles) or by pressure on the lung. I added your question to the Lung Health support group too. @helena4000 @clipper and others have talked about atelectasis (collapsed lung) and may be able to share their experiences: https ...