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What Causes Chest Congestion And Shortness Of Breath After Lobectomy?

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Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014
Question: Hi, I'm scared to death. I had a lobectomy on July 9th and all seemed to go well with the exception I could not
breath or cough. Went home and now I have a 95.6 temp. Can not breath because of the congestion in my
throat and can not get it out. I'm weak and going from hot flashes where the heat is body wise but the wetness is in the throat and chest area. Then it is extreme chills.
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Answered by Dr. Karen Steinberg (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Call for emergency help

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Please call for emergency help right away. It is likely you have developed pneumonia, which would explain the chills and feeling hot, as well as the congestion and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is common after surgery, especially if you are not able to cough or breathe deeply after the surgery to keep your lungs clear.

You will probably need to be admitted to the hospital and started on antibiotics and oxygen. Don't wait. Either call emergency services now or have someone bring you to the hospital right away.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Karen Steinberg

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 824 Questions

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What Causes Chest Congestion And Shortness Of Breath After Lobectomy?

Brief Answer: Call for emergency help Detailed Answer: Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Please call for emergency help right away. It is likely you have developed pneumonia, which would explain the chills and feeling hot, as well as the congestion and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is common after surgery, especially if you are not able to cough or breathe deeply after the surgery to keep your lungs clear. You will probably need to be admitted to the hospital and started on antibiotics and oxygen. Don't wait. Either call emergency services now or have someone bring you to the hospital right away.