There is a general concern regarding the use of anesthesia during surgery with an asthmatic child. The administration of general anesthesia (what makes a surgical patient unconscious during the procedure), involves the insertion of a tube, either for the inhalation of anesthesia or to assist breathing during the surgery. These tubes can disturb their surrounding areas, which is a cause for concern with asthmatic patients who already suffer from irritated and inflamed airways.
Methods
In administering general anesthesia, the chosen method for managing the airway will seek to avoid stimulating any of the airways that are irritated, sensitized, or inflamed. The method will also seek to minimize the incidents of mucus production in the airways as well.
Significance
Stimulation of the airways during the administration of anesthesia can trigger spasms in the bronchial tubes for asthmatic children.
Concerns
According to a review cited in the book "A Practice of Anesthesia for Infants and Children," the incidents of major complications involving anesthesia and asthmatic children is relatively low; however, should bronchospasms occur, the risk of severe morbidity for these asthmatic patients is high.
Complications
In terms of anesthesia and airway management with asthmatic children, the book "A Practice of Anesthesia for Infants and Children" warns that the use of endotracheal tubes poses the greatest risk for potential complications, while face masks offer the lowest risk.
Severe Asthmatics
Children that are experiencing severe asthmatic symptoms (like a productive cough, mucus production in airways or abnormally elevated body temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher) are counseled by the American Medical Association to refrain from elective surgeries until 3 to 4 weeks after the symptoms have subsided.
Considerations
Since asthma is difficult to diagnose in children, the exact pathology of asthma is not clear and not all coughing or wheezing is attributable to asthma alone. The exact correlations between asthma and anesthesia are not definitive.
Tags: asthmatic children, with asthmatic, Anesthesia Infants, Anesthesia Infants Children, asthmatic patients, book Practice