Having surgery when you have asthma

Before undergoing any surgery, ensure your anaesthetist and surgeon are aware of the fact you have asthma. Most medications used for general and local anaesthetics are safe for people with asthma. Aim to keep your asthma well controlled and avoid exposure to asthma triggers before an operation.

How safe is it to have an anaesthetic if I have asthma?

The vast majority of medications used for general and local anaesthetics are quite safe when used in patients with asthma.

In some people, particularly those with unstable asthma, certain surgical procedures can make asthma worse or induce coughing spasms. If this happens under anaesthetic, your anaesthetist will be able to manage it.

To reduce the risk of wheeze or coughing during and after the anaesthetic, your asthma needs to be well controlled before surgery.

Even if you have low lung function, general anaesthetics can usually be administered safely, although special care must be taken during and after the operation. However, your anaesthetist may suggest an alternative to a general anaesthetic. These may include a local or a spinal anaesthetic.

Some useful tips if you are having an anaesthetic:

• During the month before the operation, ensure your asthma is as well controlled as possible. Use your medication as directed, especially your preventer and symptom controller, so that you are free of symptoms
• Avoid exposure to trigger factors
• Smoking is a major trigger factor. If you smoke, make a real effort to QUIT before the procedure and during the recovery phase
• Raise any questions with your surgeon and the anaesthetist before the operation. They handle many patients with asthma and will understand your concerns, and will be able to answer your questions.

If you make sure that your surgeon and anaesthetist know about your asthma, and that it is well controlled before the surgery, your asthma should not present any problems.

Related topics

Also see: Keeping your asthma under control

Original material provided by The Asthma Foundation of New Zealand, 2010. Edited by everybody, December 2010.