Atelectasis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - A Comprehensive Guide

Atelectasis is a condition in which the lungs do not fully expand. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

* Obstruction of the airways: This can be caused by a foreign object, a tumor, or mucus.

* Compression of the lungs: This can be caused by fluid in the pleural space, a pneumothorax, or a mass in the chest.

* Neuromuscular weakness: This can occur in people with certain neurological conditions, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or myasthenia gravis.

Atelectasis can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Shortness of breath

* Wheezing

* Coughing

* Chest pain

* Difficulty lying flat

In some cases, atelectasis can lead to pneumonia.

Atelectasis in the infrahilar regions bilaterally and base of lungs could be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Pneumonia

* Pulmonary edema

* Heart failure

* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

* Lung cancer

* Sarcoidosis

* Radiation therapy

* Chemotherapy

It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of atelectasis. The doctor will order tests to determine the cause of the atelectasis and recommend treatment.