People with well-managed and mild asthma can usually undergo general anesthesia safely. However, having asthma increases the risk of complications from general anesthesia.
General anesthesia is when you’re put to sleep to avoid feeling pain during surgery.
The risk of complications from general anesthesia may be greater if you have severe asthma. If you’re scheduled for a procedure, it’s best to discuss the possible risks of general anesthesia with your doctor beforehand.
Read on to learn about receiving anesthesia if you have asthma, the possible risks, and more.
It’s important to let the medical team know ahead of your surgery if you have asthma. For people with managed and mild asthma, anesthesia can usually be safely administered.
For people with severe asthma, healthcare professionals
Some other possible risk factors for anesthesia complications include:
- obesity
- older age
- sleep apnea
- smoking
Let your doctor know about your asthma and any other risk factors for complications ahead of your procedure.
People with asthma are at an
Bronchospasm occurs when the small muscles in the lungs tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, making breathing more difficult.
Bronchospasm can be triggered by:
- intubation during surgery
- allergies to latex-based medical equipment
- hypersensitivity to anesthetics
People with asthma also have a higher risk of complications when receiving anesthesia because there’s an
Most complications from low blood oxygen levels arise soon after surgery in the recovery room. However, low blood oxygen levels can be life threatening in severe cases.
Hypoxemia can
A lack of oxygen to your brain, heart, or other major organs can lead to organ damage. In severe cases, hypoxia can lead to death.
It’s important to discuss these possible risks with your doctor.
Learn more about the possible side effects of general anesthesia.
Postoperative breathing complications are reported in between
Postoperative breathing complications include:
- bronchospasm
- collapsed lung
- pneumonia
- respiratory failure
- worsening symptoms of lung disease
You can minimize your chances of developing postoperative complications by making sure your asthma is managed well before elective surgery.
You can also follow any deep breathing exercises your treatment team gives you after surgery and communicate openly with your care team about how you’re feeling.
You’ll also likely be encouraged to get regular physical activity to help lower your chances of getting an infection.
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you can take steps to minimize your risks of complications by:
- avoiding any known asthma triggers
- reducing physical and mental stress
- continuing to take your regularly prescribed medications
- reducing or avoiding smoking if you’re a current smoker
Your anesthesia provider or primary doctor may recommend taking corticosteroids in the days before your surgery to reduce lung inflammation and decrease your chances of complications.
Research has found they’re most beneficial when administered at least
Optum Now is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
People with well-managed asthma can generally receive general anesthesia without developing complications.
However, even if your asthma is well-managed, it’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare team before your surgery to make sure you’re a good candidate for receiving anesthesia.
You should also let the doctor and surgeon know if you have a flare-up of your asthma symptoms in the weeks leading up to your surgery.
If your asthma is currently severe, your doctor may recommend that you postpone elective surgeries to help prevent the likelihood of complications.