Atelectasis is a medical condition that occurs when there is a partial or complete collapse of your lung. You may suffer from this problem when the small air sacs, known as the alveoli, within your lungs get deflated for any reason. Atelectasis of the lung has the tendency to reduce the amount of oxygen present in your body. This condition can be quite a serious problem, and therefore, it needs to be addressed by a doctor immediately. The treatment of lung atelectasis may vary, based on its severity and causes.

Atelectasis

This condition can be broadly classified into two types - obstructive atelectasis, which occurs when there is a blockage in the airway and non-obstructive atelectasis, caused by pressure from outside the lung. Most of us have experienced this respiratory problem after undergoing a surgery in which anesthesia has been used. However, there are several other factors that could also lead to atelectasis, some of which include -

Accumulation of excessive fluid in the lungs
Chest injuries
Collection of excess mucus in the airways, usually after a surgery
Cystic fibrosis
Inhaling foreign objects (especially common in children)
Narrowing of the airways, probably due to tuberculosis or fungal infections
Respiratory conditions
Scarring of the lung tissue
Severe asthma
Tumors in the lungs

While anyone can suffer from atelectasis, there are certain factors that increase the risks of this condition. Instances of this health problem are more likely to be seen in -
Children between the ages of 1 and 3
Elderly people with an impaired swallowing function
Individuals who cannot yawn, cough or sigh properly because of any reason
Obese or morbidly overweight people
Patients suffering from conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis
People who are bedridden and do not move around frequently
Premature babies, as their lungs are not fully developed