Can a collapsed lung be cured?

A week ago, my father was hospitalized due to prolonged coughing and difficulty breathing. The doctor diagnosed him with a collapsed lung. Can this disease be cured and how can it be treated? Please advise!

(Mr. Tran Hoa, residing in Vinh Cuu district)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

Atelectasis is a condition in which part or all of the lung is deprived of ventilation, resulting in the lung area no longer participating in gas exchange. This is not a separate disease but is the result of many causes, the most common of which are airway obstruction (due to thick phlegm, foreign bodies or tumors), external compression (pneumothorax, pleural effusion) or after surgery, especially in elderly patients or those who have been lying down for a long time.

According to the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Respiratory Diseases ( Ministry of Health , 2022) and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), collapsed lungs can be completely reversible, especially if the cause of this condition is detected early and treated.

Treatment depends on the specific cause. Measures include: respiratory physiotherapy (deep breathing, chest percussion), sputum suction, aerosol sputum dilution, pleural drainage if there is pneumothorax or effusion, and antibiotics if there is secondary infection. Bronchoscopy is indicated if obstruction due to foreign body or tumor is suspected.

In many cases, especially collapsed lungs after surgery or due to phlegm accumulation, the lungs can recover almost completely within a few days to a few weeks with proper care and compliance with treatment.

Regular chest X-rays or CT scans will help assess the recovery process. Families need to work closely with a respiratory specialist to achieve the best treatment results.

Wish your family good health!

MSc - BS Pham Thi Tam,

Internal Medicine Specialist, Ai Nghia Medical System

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/alo--bac-si-oi/202506/bi-xep-phoi-co-hoi-phuc-duoc-khong-62f158a/