Abstract
Where significant quantities of secretions are produced in the airways, their efficient removal is essential if the formation of thick mucous plugs leading to segmental or lobar obstruction and collapse (Fig. 109) is to be prevented. These secretions may also become infected and, in the process of transition to mucopurulent or frankly purulent sputum sometimes lead on to acute infective tracheobronchitis, bronchopneumonia, or both. These complications are far more likely to arise where the cough mechanism is impaired in association with obstructive airways disease and especially with collapsing airways. Following abdominal or thoracic surgery, suppression of the cough maneuver by pain and/or the cough reflex by morphine and related drugs may lead to respiratory complications.
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© 1977 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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de Kock, M.A. (1977). Bronchial Lavage and Postoperative Lobar and Segmental Collapse of the Lungs. In: Dynamic Bronchoscopy. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66584-4_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66584-4_8
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-66586-8
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