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Anesthesia in children with asthma and rhinitis

F Franceschini1, F M De Benedictis, D G Peroni

  • 1University Hospital, Ancona, Italy. allped@libero.it

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|October 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Asthma management during surgery is crucial. While severe perioperative bronchospasm is rare, it can be life-threatening, requiring careful preoperative assessment and prompt management.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Asthma incidence is rising globally, yet mortality rates are declining due to enhanced medical care.
  • Severe perioperative bronchospasm, though infrequent in asthmatic patients undergoing anesthesia, poses a significant life-threatening risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the critical aspects of preoperative asthma assessment.
  • To emphasize the importance of identifying and avoiding perioperative triggers for bronchospasm.
  • To detail strategies for preventing and managing acute bronchospasm during anesthesia.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive preoperative evaluation including specialized medical history and physical examination.
  • Pulmonary function testing to assess asthma severity and control.
  • Identification and avoidance of potential bronchospasm triggers in the perioperative period.

Main Results:

  • Systemic corticosteroids and bronchodilators are often indicated to mitigate inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
  • Despite preventative measures, acute bronchospasm can still occur, particularly during anesthetic induction and emergence.

Conclusions:

  • Meticulous preoperative assessment and planning are essential for managing asthmatic patients.
  • Prompt and systematic management of acute bronchospasm is vital for patient safety during surgical procedures.

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