What causes Atelectasis?

Causes include:

• Fluid in or around the lungs
• Infection
• Blockage of airways in the lungs due to tumors, mucus, or a foreign object
• Compression, resulting from emphysema , an enlarged heart, or a tumor
• Restricted chest movement, due to bone or muscle problems, or recent abdominal surgery
• Scarring, as a result of radiation therapy , frequent infections, or disease
• Injuries
• Pneumothorax (leakage of air into the space surrounding the lungs)
• Lung immaturity in premature babies