It is sometimes referred to as a ‘collapsed lung’ it is caused by fresh air that is unable to reach the tiny airsacs of the lungs, called the alveoli, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
This results in decreased levels of oxygen being delivered to the organs and tissues of the body (hypoxia) and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.
It is different from a a pneumothorax (which is also referred as a collapsed lung) because this is where oxygen gas and carbon dioxide gas escapes through a hole between the lung and the chest wall.
Airway obstruction may be caused when something blocks a passage either inside the lung (like a mucus plug or a foreign object) or outside of the lungs.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Atelectasis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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