Treating Atelectasis

Physical Therapy

The therapist uses different techniques to help clear mucus from the lung. You will be positioned so that gravity helps secretions flow out of the body. When resting in bed, lie on the unaffected side to promote drainage from the lung that has collapsed.

Respiratory Therapy

This may include any or all of the following:

• Breathing masks or treatments to help keep your airways open
• Incentive spirometry to help you learn to take deeper breaths
• Suction to help remove secretions
• A breathing machine, called a ventilator, if you are unable to breathe adequately on your own

Medication

Medications may include:

• Drugs to open the airways
• Drugs to treat the disease that caused the collapse
• Antibiotics to treat an infection
• Cardiac drugs to control heart disease
• Inhalers and other drugs to manage asthma or emphysema
• Oxygen, if you are having trouble breathing

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy may be used to remove a foreign body or mucus that is blocking the airway.