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Why Am I Hot After Surgery?

Published in Postoperative Care 2 mins read

You're likely hot after surgery due to postoperative fever, a common occurrence affecting up to 90% of surgical patients. This fever is primarily a result of your body's natural response to the trauma and inflammation caused by the surgery. Additionally, a condition called atelectasis is a frequent culprit.

Understanding Postoperative Fever

Postoperative fever is your body's way of reacting to tissue damage and the subsequent inflammatory process initiated by surgery. Here's a breakdown:

  • Inflammatory Response: Surgery, regardless of its complexity, causes tissue injury. This injury triggers the release of inflammatory mediators, which in turn can elevate your body temperature.

  • Atelectasis: This is a condition where some of the small air sacs in your lungs collapse. It's a very common cause of fever in the first 48 hours after surgery. Anesthesia and changes in breathing patterns during and after surgery can contribute to atelectasis.

Common Causes of Postoperative Fever

Here's a more detailed look at the common causes:

Cause Description Timeline
Atelectasis Collapse of small air sacs in the lungs. Within 48 hours
Inflammatory Response The body's natural reaction to tissue damage and surgical trauma. Can occur early or later
Infection Surgical site infections or infections elsewhere in the body (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infection). Usually after 48 hours
Drug Reactions Some medications can cause fever as a side effect. Variable
Thromboembolic Events Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) can trigger fever. Later stages

What to Do

If you're experiencing a fever after surgery, it's crucial to:

  • Monitor Your Temperature: Regularly check your temperature and record any changes.
  • Contact Your Doctor: Inform your healthcare provider about your fever and any other symptoms you're experiencing.
  • Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your doctor's instructions regarding medication, wound care, and other post-operative guidelines.
  • Practice Deep Breathing and Coughing: This can help prevent or resolve atelectasis.

In summary, feeling hot after surgery is often due to the inflammatory response or atelectasis. However, it's essential to rule out other potential causes like infection by consulting with your doctor.