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Scarring and shrinking of the membranes that cover the lungs and line the inside of the chest, which can occur as a result of exposure to asbestos.This can happen in premature babies or in adults who have had too much oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. Lack of the liquid (surfactant) that coats the lining of the alveoli, which helps keep it from collapsing.Injuries, such as from a car accident, a fall or a stabbing.Experiencing high speeds, such as being a fighter jet pilot.A plug of mucus, a tumor or something breathed into the lungs.Other factors can lead to a collapsed lung include: The space where the lung was before the collapse fills up with blood cells, fluids and mucus. When the airway is blocked, the blood absorbs the air inside the air sacs (alveoli). Those that do occur may include shortness of breath, an increased heart rate or a hacking cough that does not seem to go away.Ī collapsed lung is often the result of pressure on an airway from outside - a swollen lymph node or fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest wall, for example - can also cause a lung to collapse. If the blockages happen slowly, there may be few or no symptoms. Shortness of breath, which can be sudden and extreme in severe cases.Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.Sharp pain on the affected side, if the symptoms are severe and the blockage occurred quickly.Falling oxygen levels in the blood, which causes the person to look bluish or ashen and can bring on abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).