What can cause atelectasis?

Answer:
insufficient attemps at respiration by the newborn, bronchial obstruction, or absence of surfactant (a substance secreted by alveoli that maintains the stability of lung tissue by reducing the surface tension of fluids that coat the lung).
First answer by Gale Ency. of Medicine. Last edit by Gale Ency. of Medicine. Contributor trust: 37 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].