Rib fracture causing atelectasis is not self-healing. Rib fracture causing pulmonary atelectasis is a lesion manifestation of tissue damage caused after rib fracture, which requires standardized treatment as prescribed by the doctor.
If it is multiple rib fractures, it will lead to pleural effusion, which will compress the lungs; in addition, the stimulation of pain and edema can not cough up sputum in time, thus blocking the airway, which will lead to lung infection and lung atelectasis.
Patients with pulmonary atelectasis should cough up more sputum and actively apply anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment to promote the absorption of inflammation. If pulmonary atelectasis is obvious, closed drainage or aspiration of pleural fluid should be performed to allow room for the lungs to expand again. If the fracture misalignment is obvious and the thorax loses its normal shape, it needs to be immobilized by a professional doctor to restore the shape of the thorax and promote the recovery of respiratory function.
Therefore, rib fracture causing pulmonary atelectasis should be highly emphasized to avoid serious respiratory dysfunction.