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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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