Surfactant is the substance that coats the lining of the alveoli and reduces surface tension of the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing. When premature babies have a surfactant deficiency, they develop neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Symptoms and Diagnosis Atelectasis can develop slowly and cause only slight shortness of breath. People with middle lobe syndrome may have no symptoms at all, although many have a hacking cough. If a large area of a lung develops atelectasis quickly, a person may become blue or ashen and have sharp pain on the affected side and extreme shortness of breath.
Doctors suspect atelectasis based on a person's symptoms and the physical examination findings.
A chest x-ray that shows the airless area confirms the diagnosis. Prevention and Treatment People can take steps to avoid atelectasis after surgery. Although people who smoke have a greater risk of developing atelectasis, they can decrease the risk if they stop smoking 6 to 8 weeks before the operation. After an operation, people should be encouraged to breathe deeply, cough regularly, and move about as soon as possible. Breathing devices and exercises may help.