Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Atelectasis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
In some cases, a person may be able to reduce his or her risk for this condition by exercising regularly and by not smoking or breathing in second-hand smoke.
Atelectasis can also be a complication of surgery. When possible, healthcare providers should:
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
The long-term effects are often related to the cause. Atelectasis due to surgery should have no long-term effects. Once treated with breathing exercises, the lung should function well again. Chronic illnesses, such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis, may result in atelectasis that never completely resolves. Scar tissue can form inside of the lung as a result of chronic atelectasis. These scarred areas may never function well again.
What are the risks to others?
People with congenital lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, may pass a risk of atelectasis on to their children.