NICU Infant Atelectasis
Infant atelectasis refers to when a newborn baby or premature infant is born without the ability to inflate one (or both) of his or her lungs. The condition is most common with premature infants, and due to underdeveloped lungs found in neonates, they are commonly placed on a ventilator (breathing machine) to help them breathe.
In the instance where infant atelectasis is caused due to a blockage, the airway can be cleared of blockages by suction, allowing for the lung to expand on its own.
