Collapsed Lung
What is Collapsed Lung?
A collapsed lung happens when air enters the pleural space, the area between the lung and the chest wall. If it is a total collapse, it is called pneumothorax. If only part of the lung is affected, it is called atelectasis. Causes of a collapsed lung include: Lung diseases such as pneumonia or lung cancer Being on a breathing machine Surgery on the chest or abdomen A blocked airway If only a small area of the lung is affected, you may not have symptoms. If a large area is affected, you may feel short of breath and have a rapid heart rate. A chest x-ray can tell if you have it. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Related topics
Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH) — read the full NIH article.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Please see your doctor for diagnosis, and seek urgent care for any severe or sudden symptoms.