Surgery Preparation
Asthmatics who are suffering symptoms may need a course of oral steroids. In stable asthmatics, the medication regimen should continue right up to the time of surgery. Bronchodilators may be given by inhalation before surgery. Because all oral intake is usually stopped for several hours before surgery, theophylline levels may be affected and intravenous aminophylline may be used.If you have taken oral steroids regularly within the last two - three years then you may need to take some more. When the body gets under stress as it does in an operation, the body needs more cortisone. If the adrenal glands are not functioning properly because you have taken cortisone artificially then you need the medicine to help out. Intravenous injections of corticosteroids at the time of surgery may be given.
After Surgery
Once your condition has stabilised after surgery, normal medication regimes should be made as soon as possible. A course of oral corticosteroids may be needed for those patients whose asthma is no longer under control.Complete bed rest before or after the operation can also lead to respiratory complications as mucus tends to hang around and lying flat on one's back makes it more difficult to breathe. Asthmatics often have trouble coughing up mucus after an operation so you need to get up and about as soon as you can.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.buteyko.co.nz/)
