Asthma and surgery
Asthmatics who undergo surgery may face several problems and so it must approached cautiously.It is useful to carry with you information about your health in case you need emergency surgery and are unable to tell any one that you are asthmatic. This could state that you have asthma (and any other conditions you may have), what medication you take and the telephone number of your doctor who has your medical history.
Possible Complications
Even for healthy people, having an operation can be dangerous because our reaction to the anaesthetic procedure is unpredictable. When general anesthesia is required, a respirator provides mechanical breathing and ensures gas exchange takes place. In asthmatics, the placement of the tube connected to the respirator in the windpipe can trigger bronchoconstriction. Alternatives to general anesthesia - local, regional and spinal - should be considered, to help avoid complications.For an asthmatic, the trauma is multiplied by the physical reason for the operation and the associated stress. Pain is a likely outcome in the case of surgery and pain is a known asthma trigger.
Bronchoconstriction can occur during and after surgery, and this can affect the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, resulting in a drop in blood oxygen. Thick mucus produced in asthma may clog airways and increase the risk of lung infection.
Complications vary depending on the surgery performed. The greatest risk occurs from surgery involving the chest or upper abdomen. Moderate and severe asthmatics are at greater risk of complications.
