Can Atelectasis Go Away?

Treatment of atelectasis depends on the cause. Mild atelectasis may go away without treatment. Sometimes, medications are used to loosen and thin mucus. If the condition is due to a blockage, surgery or other treatments may be needed.

Can atelectasis be permanent?

After treatment, a collapsed lung usually begins working the way it should again. But atelectasis can cause permanent damage in some cases.

Is atelectasis reversible?

Atelectasis is reversible collapse of lung tissue with loss of volume; common causes include intrinsic or extrinsic airway compression, hypoventilation, and a malpositioned endotracheal tube.