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Respiratory Disease |
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Asthma: Effective ventilation is impaired by reversible airways obstruction. Attempt to time surgery with remission of symptoms, and ensure that the patient’s normal bronchodilator therapy is continued until the time of surgery. If the patient is taking steroids the dose may need to be adjusted peri-operatively, as there is a risk of adrenal suppression.
Post– operatively bronchodilator drugs may effectively be given via the nebulised route. Pre-op CXR, ECG, PEFR and blood gases may be necessary to assess severity of the disease.
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema: Management similar to asthma, but functional reserve may be more severely restricted. Persuade patient to stop smoking, at least pre-op.
Click on the links below for further information: ¨ Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease |
