10 Causes of Atelectasis
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #1: Mucus Plug
A mucus plug is a buildup of mucus in the airways of your lungs that can occur for a number of reasons, which account for the main causes of obstructive atelectasis. It can occur if you’re knocked out during a surgery or during a coma, or from any other situation in which your body is producing an excessive amount of mucus that you can’t expel.
Mucus plugs are also relatively common in young children, as well as in people suffering from cystic fibrosis or from more serious forms of asthma. As these secretions build up in the airways, they can put pressure on the alveoli and lead to damage.
