Chest Infections After Surgery: Symptoms, Risks, and Awareness
Chest infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria and are a known complication following surgical procedures, especially those requiring general anesthesia.
General anesthesia temporarily affects the body’s normal ability to clear mucus from the lungs. After surgery, pain or discomfort may make it difficult to take deep breaths or cough effectively. As a result, phlegm can accumulate in the lungs, creating an environment where infection can develop.
Signs and Symptoms of a Chest Infection
An individual with a chest infection may experience:
- Feeling generally unwell or unusually tired
- Fever or chills
- Cough producing thick yellow or green sputum
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion, particularly in older adults (usually temporary and improves as the infection resolves)
A productive cough with coloured sputum is a common indicator of a chest infection.
How Are Post-Operative Chest Infections Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional may diagnose a chest infection using several methods:
- Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, where crackles or wheezing may be heard
- Chest X-ray to confirm infection
- Blood tests showing signs of infection
- Sputum samples to identify the responsible bacteria
In more severe cases, individuals may develop a rapid heart rate or low blood pressure, which can indicate a serious infection requiring urgent medical care.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a chest infection after surgery, including:
- Age over 50
- Being overweight
- Living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Smoking
- A weakened immune system
- Prolonged immobility after surgery
Early movement, breathing exercises, and medical follow-up play an important role in prevention.
First Aid & Medical Awareness Notice
Chest infections can worsen quickly if not recognized early, particularly in older adults or individuals with underlying health conditions. Anyone recovering from surgery who develops breathing difficulties, fever, chest pain, or confusion should be assessed by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
This information is provided for educational and first aid awareness purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
St. Mark James Training, Canada’s largest 100% Canadian-owned and operated first aid and CPR training provider, offers nationally recognized courses that help participants recognize serious medical conditions, respond appropriately, and know when to activate emergency medical services.