Atelectasis is an area of the lung that is not completely
inflated. In atelectasis in newborns (fetal atelectasis), the
lungs do not expand normally at birth. Reasons for this
happening include premature birth (being born too early), lack
of oxygen, and airway blockage. In adults, atelectasis may be
the result of airway blockage or of not breathing deeply (after
surgery or because of neuromuscular disease). Because
atelectasis is known to occur most commonly as a complication
after surgery, deep breathing is often used to prevent or treat
it. Mild atelectasis is not usually a problem. But when
atelectasis is severe, it can cause pain and/or shortness of
breath, and it can lower oxygen levels. Atelectasis is treated
by restoring airflow to the lung and by removing any blockage.
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