Atelectasis: First Aid Awareness, Breathing Risks, and Workplace Safety in Canada

Atelectasis occurs when part of a lung—or an entire lung—collapses. When this happens, fresh air cannot reach the tiny air sacs (alveoli) where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. As a result, less oxygen reaches the blood, which can affect vital organs and tissues.

From a first aid, CPR, and workplace safety perspective, atelectasis matters because it can impair breathing, worsen quickly in some situations, and increase the risk of serious complications—especially after surgery, injury, or prolonged immobility.

This article is intended for education and safety awareness. It does not replace medical advice or diagnosis.

Why Atelectasis Matters in First Aid and Safety Settings

In Canadian workplaces, hospitals, long-term care settings, and homes, atelectasis is relevant because it can:

Develop after surgery or injury
Occur with shallow breathing due to pain or sedation
Increase the risk of pneumonia
Lead to low oxygen levels and breathing distress
Progress rapidly if a large area of the lung is involved

First aiders should understand that worsening breathing, bluish skin colour, or sudden collapse can signal a serious respiratory problem requiring urgent care.

Acute vs. Chronic Atelectasis

Atelectasis can present in two main ways:

Acute atelectasis: develops suddenly over minutes to hours
Chronic atelectasis: develops gradually over days or weeks

Slow-developing cases may have few symptoms, while rapid or extensive collapse can cause severe breathing difficulty and shock.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms depend on how much of the lung is affected and how quickly it develops.

Common signs include:

Persistent, dry or hacking cough
Shortness of breath
Sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing (pleuritic pain)

More serious signs include:

Cyanosis (bluish lips, skin, or fingernails)
Rapid heart rate
Low blood pressure
Signs of shock in sudden or extensive lung collapse

Fever may develop if atelectasis leads to complications such as pneumonia.

How Atelectasis Develops

There are several mechanisms that can cause lung collapse.

Airway Obstruction

A blockage inside or outside the airway can prevent air from reaching part of the lung.

Examples include:

Mucus plugs
Inhaled foreign objects
Tumours pressing on airways

Compression of the Lung

Pressure from outside the lung can cause collapse, such as:

Fluid or air around the lungs
Enlarged heart or lymph nodes
Tumours
Abdominal swelling that pushes upward on the lungs

Hypoventilation (Shallow Breathing)

Shallow breathing prevents full lung expansion and is the most common cause of atelectasis.

This often occurs:

After surgery under general anesthesia
When pain limits deep breathing
With prolonged bed rest or immobility

Loss of Surfactant

Surfactant keeps the alveoli open. When it is reduced or absent, alveoli can collapse.

This may occur with:

Respiratory distress syndromes
Smoke inhalation
Severe illness affecting lung function

Risk Factors Relevant to First Aid and Workplace Safety

Certain factors increase the likelihood of atelectasis, including:

Recent surgery, especially chest or upper abdominal surgery
Use of sedatives or narcotics
Rib fractures or chest injuries
Chronic lung conditions
Smoking
Obesity
Prolonged immobility or bed rest
Tight chest or abdominal bandaging
Neuromuscular conditions affecting breathing

Recognizing these risks helps first aiders and supervisors anticipate breathing problems early.

First Aid Awareness: When to Act Urgently

Immediate medical attention is required if a person develops:

Sudden or worsening shortness of breath
Bluish discoloration of the skin or lips
Chest pain with breathing
Rapid heart rate or signs of shock

From a first aid perspective, priority actions focus on:

Airway and breathing
Keeping the person upright if possible
Monitoring oxygen-related symptoms
Activating emergency medical services promptly

Prevention and Safety Considerations

In healthcare, workplace, and home settings, prevention focuses on:

Encouraging deep breathing and movement when safe
Early mobilization after surgery or illness
Managing pain effectively to allow full breathing
Avoiding prolonged immobility
Prompt evaluation of persistent breathing symptoms

Education and early recognition play a key role in preventing complications.

Educational Disclaimer

This article is provided for general education and first aid awareness only. It does not diagnose or treat lung conditions. Anyone with breathing difficulties or signs of low oxygen should seek immediate medical care.