10 Atelectasis Symptoms
Article Sources
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Atelectasis is a medical term referring to a collapse in one or more areas of the lungs.1‘Atelectasis.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/atelectasis When a person breathes in, the lungs absorb oxygen through small sacs called alveoli, which transfers oxygen into the bloodstream and the rest of the body.
When alveoli are deflated due to atelectasis, they can no longer expand or function properly. This means the body may not receive enough oxygen, which can have serious health consequences. People with preexisting lung conditions are most at risk for complications. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery.
Difficulty Breathing
Some people with only a small section of collapsed alveoli may not experience any symptoms with atelectasis. When symptoms do occur, difficulty breathing is common. Since the lungs can't expand as fully as they normally would, less oxygen is absorbed. This can cause rapid, shallow breathing as the body struggles to increase oxygen intake.
Difficulty breathing may also include a feeling of not being able to take a deep breath and, in some cases, a sharp pain or ache may occur when inhaling. Other conditions can also cause difficulty breathing. Asthma and emphysema are two common examples.2‘Atelectasis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17699-atelectasis
