What is atelectasis?
A person with atelectasis has a collapse of the tiny air pockets in the lung, called alveoli. This interrupts breathing in the area where the atelectasis has occurred. Atelectasis is a condition that can accompany lung disease, such as pneumonia, COPD, and asthma. It may also develop after surgery in patients who undergo general anesthesia.

What are the symptoms of atelectasis?
Common symptoms of atelectasis include fever and cough. More severe symptoms include rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing up blood.

How does the doctor treat atelectasis?
General measures for atelectasis include deep breathing exercises, oxygen therapy, and bronchodilator medications to reverse wheezing.