Bibasilar atelectasis can cause severe complications if left untreated. How doctors deal with it will vary based on what has caused the collapse.

In this article, learn more about the causes and symptoms of bibasilar atelectasis, as well as what to expect during recovery.

What is bibasilar atelectasis?

A person’s lungs are made up of several areas, each of which is called a lobe. The right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two lobes.

When someone experiences bibasilar atelectasis, the lowermost lobes of their lungs collapse entirely or partially.

The lobes of the lungs are filled with millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are arranged in clusters and surrounded by blood vessels. When a person breathes in and out, the alveoli allow their blood to collect oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide.

During bibasilar atelectasis, the alveoli in the base of the lungs deflate and stop performing this essential task. Oxygen may not be able to reach the vital organs, making bibasilar atelectasis life-threatening in some cases.

Bibasilar atelectasis can also leave behind scarring, which could lead to reduced lung function afterward.

The condition is more common after major surgery, but may also be a complication of other issues.

The condition is sometimes confused with pneumothorax. While the two conditions are similar, they have different causes. In some cases, pneumothorax may lead to atelectasis on one side.

Symptoms

If only a small portion of the lung collapses, atelectasis may not cause any symptoms. If a person does experience symptoms, these may include:

• shortness of breath
• feeling their breath is too shallow or quick
• not being able to take a full, satisfying breath
• coughing
• wheezing
• lots of mucus or sputum

Difficulty breathing is the most common symptom. A person may have other symptoms as well, depending on the underlying cause.

It is most common for a person to experience bibasilar atelectasis after they have undergone a major surgical procedure, involving general anesthesia.

There is a range of other possible causes, as well. Doctors class these causes as either obstructive or nonobstructive.

Obstructive causes

A person may experience obstructive atelectasis when something blocks their airway and prevents their lung from filling correctly. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Foreign object: If someone inhales or improperly swallows a foreign object, it can obstruct their airflow and cause bibasilar atelectasis.
• Mucus plug: After chest or lung surgery, many people are advised not to cough to avoid stressing the lungs. Not coughing can cause a buildup of mucus in the lungs, which may block the airways. Sometimes, a doctor will suction out this buildup after surgery, but it can continue to accumulate while a person is recovering. Other conditions, including asthma and cystic fibrosis, may also lead to mucus plugs.
• Tumor: A tumor can narrow or completely block off the airway.
• Blood clot: Significant bleeding in the lungs may build up and cause a blood clot. A clot can block the airway and cut off the flow of oxygen, collapsing a lobe or lung.
• Narrowing of the airways: When a person has a severe disease, its progression can lead to narrowing of their airways, eventually causing a collapse. Chronic infections can also cause inflammation and scarring, constricting the main airways.

Atelectasis is often confused with pneumothorax, so a thorough diagnosis is necessary. Doctors may do a physical exam and may also want to monitor a person’s oxygen levels or lung function periodically to note any changes.

If they suspect atelectasis, they will usually order a chest X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan to confirm their diagnosis.

A doctor may also perform a bronchoscopy. This procedure is when they insert a tube through a person’s nose or mouth to get a closer look at their airways.

Treatment

How doctors treat bibasilar atelectasis depends largely on what has caused the collapse.

To treat blockages, they will first try to remove the obstruction, using methods such as suction, drainage, or chest percussion. Some medications may also help break up and expel fluids.

To treat causes related to pressure, doctors will relieve the pressure in the lung and allow it to expand fully. This should restore function in the lungs.

When surgery causes atelectasis, doctors may recommend therapies to allow the lungs to expand naturally. They may tell a person to do deep breathing exercises, walk around after surgery to increase their breathing, and gently cough up mucus if possible.

Lung conditions or medical conditions causing atelectasis will need to be treated completely to help prevent further collapse. For instance, if a person has a tumor, they may require radiation therapy, surgery, or chemotherapy.

Complications

Bibasilar atelectasis must be caught early on and treated quickly to give a person the best chance of recovery without any severe complications.

If there is extensive damage to the lungs or the collapse is not treated urgently, possible complications can include:

• pneumonia
• hypoxia or when the blood does not carry enough oxygen
• respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening
• scar tissue

Outlook

Many people experience bibasilar atelectasis while they are still in the hospital and recovering from surgery. Already being in the hospital can make diagnosis and treatment easier, and may help prevent complications.

In cases where a person notices symptoms when they are no longer in the hospital, it is crucial for them to visit a doctor urgently for treatment.

By catching the condition early, they may reduce their risk of scarring and other complications in the lungs.

When treated early, many people can recover from bibasilar atelectasis without any long-term side effects.

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