Atelectasis

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Anesthesia's effect on the lungs causes almost everyone who undergoes surgery to have some atelectasis. Inhaled objects, asthma, and other lung diseases and injuries also can cause atelectasis.

Symptoms

There may be no obvious symptoms of atelectasis. When symptoms occur, they may include trouble breathing, cough, and low-grade fever.

Treatments

Treatments include breathing exercises, medications, and surgery.