What Is Pleurisy?
8. Atelectasis
Excess fluid in the pleural space is not usually too much of a problem for the patient. However, if there is a significant volume of fluid then it can cause pressure to build up. If there is enough pressure then it can cause a partial or complete collapse of a lung in what is known as atelectasis.
Atelectasis will often not cause any clear symptoms. When there are symptoms, however, they will typically include difficulty breathing. The patient may also be wheezing and they may also be breathing shallowly and more rapidly than usual. Atelectasis will also sometimes cause a cough.
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