Atelectasis

Collapse of part or all of a lung caused by obstruction of one or more air passages in the lung. Obstruction may be caused by accumulation of mucus, by an accidentally inhaled foreign body, by a tumour in the lung, or by enlarged lymph nodes exerting pressure on the airway. The main symptom is shortness of breath. There may also be a cough and chest pain. The condition can be diagnosed by chest X-ray. Treatment is aimed at removing the cause of the blockage and may include physiotherapy or bronchoscopy. If the obstruction can be removed, the lung should reinflate normally.