Do you know how to help your body accept a new organ?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with your lung transplant. However, by understanding the potential dangers and what to do if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you can help assure a positive outcome.
Rejection is a normal reaction of the body to a foreign object. When a new lung is placed in a patient’s body, the body sees the transplanted organ as a threat and tries to attack it. The immune system makes antibodies to try to destroy the new organ, not realizing that the transplanted lung is beneficial. To allow the organ to successfully live in a new body, medications must be given to trick the immune system into accepting the transplant as it's own. These medications must be continued indefinitely as long as the transplanted organ remains.
The following are the most common signs and symptoms of rejection. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Flu-like aches
- Shortness of breath
If experiencing these symptoms, please call the Nebraska Medicine transplant team immediately.