Is Atelectasis Considered COPD?

Clinically reviewed by Ervin Anaya, MD

When you develop breathing difficulties, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about what might be happening in your body. Two conditions you might hear about are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atelectasis.

While both affect the lungs and can share some symptoms, they’re distinct conditions with different causes and treatments. This article offers valuable insights into atelectasis, detailing its connection to COPD and the treatment approaches employed by healthcare providers.

Understanding Atelectasis

Atelectasis is a condition where all or part of a lung collapses. This collapse happens when the tiny, balloon-like air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, deflate or fill with fluid, preventing them from inflating properly. When a significant number of alveoli are affected, the body may struggle to get enough oxygen, which can impact other organs.

Healthcare providers often classify atelectasis into three main types based on its cause:

• Obstructive atelectasis: Happens when an airway is blocked—by a mucus plug, an inhaled object, or a tumor. Air can’t reach the alveoli, and the trapped air is absorbed into the bloodstream, causing them to deflate.
• Compressive atelectasis: Occurs when something outside the lung—such as a tumor or a buildup of fluid or air in the chest cavity—presses on the lung and forces the air out.
• Contraction atelectasis: Results from scarring of the lung tissue, which reduces flexibility and prevents the alveoli from expanding properly.

In many cases, especially if the collapse is minor, atelectasis doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. When it does, symptoms can include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent cough
• Sharp chest pain
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Bluish color in the skin and lips

The most common trigger for atelectasis is surgery involving general anesthesia, which can change your normal breathing patterns and lead to the collapse of air sacs.

The Link Between Atelectasis and COPD

Is atelectasis a form of COPD? The short answer is no. COPD is a term for a group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These diseases cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems that worsen over time.

However, a strong connection exists between the two conditions. Having a chronic lung illness like COPD significantly increases your risk of developing atelectasis.

The chronic inflammation and excessive mucus production common in COPD can lead to blocked airways, which is a primary cause of obstructive atelectasis. Because COPD weakens the lungs, it can also make it harder to take the deep breaths needed to keep the alveoli fully inflated.

How Healthcare Providers Address Atelectasis

If a provider suspects atelectasis, they’ll start with a thorough physical exam, listening for abnormal breathing sounds with a stethoscope. They may check your blood oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter and order imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to obtain a clear picture of the lungs.

The treatment for atelectasis depends on the underlying cause and the extent of lung tissue affected. The main goal is to reinflate the collapsed area.

Breathing Exercises

Simple deep-breathing and coughing exercises are often enough to clear blockages and reinflate the alveoli.

Chest Physiotherapy

This involves techniques such as tapping on the chest over the collapsed area to loosen mucus so it can be coughed up.

Medications and Devices

Depending on your condition, your provider may recommend bronchodilators or other similar therapies.

Removing Obstructions

If a blockage is the cause, a provider may perform a bronchoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube is guided into the airways to suction out mucus or remove an object.

Protecting Your Lung Health

While atelectasis and COPD are different conditions, their relationship highlights the importance of comprehensive lung care. If you have any concerns about your breathing or lung health, talk with your Baptist Health primary care provider.

Use our provider directory to find a pulmonologist, or download your patient packet to get started today.