What is the difference between Atelectasis and Pneumonia?

Atelectasis is the collapsing of a lung when there is an obstacle with the natural forces that advance lung expansion. Pneumonia is an inflammatory process, including infection, usually involving fluid in the lungs. Atelectasis is a collapsed lung. The diagnosis of atelectasis is made by X-Ray, chest, arterial blood gases analysis, and CT scan.

Pneumonia diagnosis is made by chest X-Ray, a culture of sputum and blood tests like complete blood count, arterial blood gases, and C-reactive protein. Ammonia symptoms include fever with chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and other non -specific symptoms. The most common cause of atelectasis is post-operative, mainly chest and upper abdomen.

Both Atelectasis and Pneumonia are infections and illnesses that affect the lungs. However, there are two key differences between Atelectasis and Pneumonia. Pneumonia, which is probably more expected and common with people overall, is an inflammation of the lungs.

Atelectasis is when the lung closes or collapses for whatever reason. Then the gas from outside of the lung escapes and gas comes in. This change of gases causes the problems that lead to Atelectasis. If someone has Atelectasis, they may not feel anything.

However, with Pneumonia, the patient will feel sick like they have the flu. A CT scan may be used in determining the diagnosis of Atelectasis, but not with Pneumonia. Smoking would be required to stop if you had Atelectasis.