What is the difference between Atelectasis and Consolidation?

Atelectasis is a lung condition wherein the lung has closed down because of the absence of gas exchange. This may affect a portion of a lung or the whole lung. This means that the alveoli which can help the lungs to breathe will be deflated. Some of them may have no volume at all.

This is different from pulmonary consolidation wherein a person who has this condition will not be able to breathe because the lungs are already full of water. A lot of people may be more familiar with consolidation as “collapsed lung.” There are instances when having Alectasis will not come with any prominent symptoms. Some people are more prone to these conditions more than others.

These two conditions are both related to the lungs. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of a lung because it has not received any oxygen for a specified period. At times, this condition also applies to the closure of the lung. Consolidation is different between in this case, and the lungs fill up with fluids.

This can make it harder for the person to breathe because the lungs are full of fluids. There are various reasons why the lungs may close down from a blockage inside the lungs and other possible obstructions. It will be wise to become aware of the signs and symptoms of these conditions so that they can become treated immediately.