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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffA lung transplant poses many risks of complications, some potentially fatal. The two major risks are rejection and infection.
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Rejection. Your immune system defends your body against foreign substances. Even with the best possible match between you and the donor, your immune system will try to attack and reject your new lung or lungs. Your drug regimen after transplant will include medications to suppress your immune system (immunosuppressive agents) in an effort to prevent organ rejection. You'll likely take these drugs for the rest of your life.
Some immunosuppressive agents may cause noticeable side effects. Your face may become round and full. You may gain weight, develop acne or facial hair, or experience stomach problems. These effects may decrease as time goes on. Some immune system medications can also increase your risk of developing new or aggravating existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer.
- Infection. The medications to suppress your immune system make your body more vulnerable to infection. The lungs are the most common site of post-transplant infections, and infection is the leading cause of complications and death after lung transplant. To help prevent infection, your doctor may prescribe antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal medications. Your health care team may also help you learn breathing exercises to help prevent pneumonia and other infections.
Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms of organ rejection or lung infection after your transplant.
Signs and symptoms of rejection include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Signs and symptoms of lung infection include:
- A fever above 100.4 F (38 C)
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
