Table 37-3
- Infection: Treat with broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Dehydration: Hydration decreases viscosity of secretions and facilitates their removal
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Wheezing: Delay elective surgery until effective treatment has been instituted; steroids, sympathomimetics, cromolyn, parasympatholytics
- Obesity
- Cigarette smoking: Carboxyhemoglobin decreases in 48 hours; decrease in sputum production in 2–3 months
- Cor pulmonale
- Malnutrition