What is resorption atelectasis?
Resorption atelectasis is a condition where part of the lung collapses because the air inside the affected section has been completely absorbed by the body. This means that area of the lung no longer receives enough air and "folds in on itself".
How does resorption atelectasis develop?
Normally, with every breath, fresh air travels all the way down into the tiniest air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli. This is where the vital exchange of gases happens: oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is released. However, if a bronchus, which is one of the airways in the lung, becomes blocked by mucus, a small foreign object, or in rare cases a tumour, no new air can reach the section behind the blockage. The air that is already there gets slowly absorbed by the body. Gradually, a vacuum forms, which causes the affected part of the lung to collapse.
This is commonly seen after operations, when coughing is difficult, or during severe infections that produce a lot of mucus. People with chronic lung conditions such as COPD or asthma are also more often affected, as their airways tend to be narrowed or clogged with mucus.
What does this mean for the lungs and the body?
A section of the lung that is not receiving air can no longer do its job. This means that no oxygen passes into the blood from that area. In most cases, the rest of the lung is able to take over at least some of the lost function. However, with a large area of resorption atelectasis, or if a lung condition is already present, it can lead to breathlessness, coughing, or a general feeling of weakness.
The affected sections of the lung are also more vulnerable to infection, because mucus and bacteria can no longer be cleared away. This raises the risk of pneumonia, which can be particularly serious for older people or those with a weakened immune system.
Is resorption atelectasis dangerous?
Whether resorption atelectasis is serious depends on several factors. Small, unnoticed areas often cause no symptoms at all and are sometimes found by chance on an X-ray. Larger or multiple affected areas can lead to noticeable breathlessness, especially if the lungs are already damaged.
The main concern is usually that an infection may develop, or that a lack of oxygen causes problems in other organs. However, when identified and treated in time, resorption atelectasis usually resolves without leaving any lasting damage.
How is resorption atelectasis diagnosed?
Often, symptoms such as coughing, breathlessness, or unusual breathing sounds draw attention to the problem. Doctors will usually use imaging, such as a chest X-ray. This shows the affected section of the lung as a dense, "collapsed" area. In some cases, a CT scan is also used to get a clearer picture of how much of the lung is involved.
Sometimes further investigation is carried out to find the cause, for example to check whether a mucus plug, a foreign object, or another blockage is restricting airflow.
What can be done about resorption atelectasis?
The most important step is to remove whatever is causing the blockage. If mucus is the cause, breathing therapy, targeted positioning, inhalations, or gentle suctioning often help. If a foreign object is suspected, a bronchoscopic procedure may be needed to remove it. In the case of infections, medication is sometimes used as well.
Breathing exercises, physiotherapy, or special devices are often used alongside these treatments to help re-expand the lung. The aim is always to improve ventilation and reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
What can help prevent resorption atelectasis?
After operations or with a known lung condition, it is especially important to breathe deeply and cough regularly. Getting up and moving around early after a procedure also supports lung ventilation. In some hospitals, special breathing trainers are used to keep the lungs active.
For those who tend to produce a lot of mucus, inhalations, drinking enough fluids, and physiotherapy support can help reduce the risk of an airway blockage.
Resorption atelectasis is treatable in most cases. The earlier it is identified, the easier it is to prevent complications from developing.
