Final answer:
It is true that surgery may be postponed in patients with respiratory infections due to risks such as airway obstruction and complications with anesthesia. Conditions like diphtheria can obstruct airways, while restrictive diseases decrease lung function, further complicating surgical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, respiratory infections can be an indication to postpone surgery due to the increased risk of airway obstruction. Such infections can cause inflammation and excessive mucus production. In some severe cases, as seen in diseases like diphtheria, a pseudomembrane can form, which can obstruct the airways and lead to suffocation if not managed promptly. Other respiratory challenges, such as those seen in restrictive diseases like respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis, can significantly decrease lung compliance and result in difficulty exhaling air which can complicate anesthesia and postoperative recovery. The possibility of a contagious illness, such as influenza, can pose additional risks for both the patient and healthcare workers. Consequently, when a patient presents with a respiratory infection, an assessment of the potential risks may lead to a recommendation to postpone surgery until the infection has resolved.