aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
The aetiology can be considered as follows: Pre-operative factors:
- pre-existing acute or chronic chest infection increase bronchial secretion and involve pathogenic bacteria
- heavy smokers are at particular risk
- emphysema, ankylosing spondylitis and other conditions which make coughing difficult in the post-operative period predispose to mucus retention.
Operative factors:
- irritant anaesthetic drugs, which increase secretion and depress the action of the bronchial cilia
- Atropine in addition increases mucus viscidity
Post-operative factors:
- thoracic or abdominal incision pain inhibits the expectoration of the accumulated bronchial secretions and is the most important cause of mucus secretion.