Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview01:20

Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview

Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma-IV: Nursing Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The challenges of health disparities in South Africa.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2013
Same author

Tuberculosis and poverty: what could (and should) be done?

The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·2010
Same author

Values in global health governance.

Global public health·2010
Same author

Ethical issues in research in low-income countries.

The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·2007
Same author

Rational planning for health care based on observed needs.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2006
Same author

HIV prevention research and global inequality: steps towards improved standards of care.

Journal of medical ethics·2005
Same journal

SAMA Health Summit Abstracts.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2026
Same journal

On behalf of the South African Medical Association (SAMA), The Scientific Committee of the SAMA Health Summit, is pleased to pesent this abstract issue, showcasing the posters and oral presentations delivered at the Summit, which was held from 22-24 May 2026.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2026
Same journal

Proceedings of the 2<sup>nd</sup> Data Driven Surgery Conference (DDSC 2025).

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2026
Same journal

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of fever and neutropenia in South African children and adolescents with cancer.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2026
Same journal

The changing fortunes of the District Health System in SA (1994 - 2020): A retrospective review.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2026
Same journal

Thomas Micheal Guntram Ignaz Rehle (1951 - 2025).

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 5, 2010

Anaesthesia for the asthmatic

S R Benatar

    South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
    |March 18, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    This review examines the risks associated with providing anesthesia to patients with asthma. It emphasizes the importance of optimizing lung function before surgery and highlights specific techniques to prevent dangerous airway complications during the procedure.

    Keywords:
    bronchospasm preventionperioperative careairway reactivitysurgical safety

    Frequently Asked Questions

    More Related Videos

    Topical Airway Anesthesia for Awake-endoscopic Intubation Using the Spray-as-you-go Technique with High Oxygen Flow
    05:43

    Topical Airway Anesthesia for Awake-endoscopic Intubation Using the Spray-as-you-go Technique with High Oxygen Flow

    Published on: January 13, 2017

    Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
    05:39

    Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

    Published on: May 26, 2023

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Jun 26, 2026

    Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
    14:39

    Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

    Published on: November 5, 2010

    Topical Airway Anesthesia for Awake-endoscopic Intubation Using the Spray-as-you-go Technique with High Oxygen Flow
    05:43

    Topical Airway Anesthesia for Awake-endoscopic Intubation Using the Spray-as-you-go Technique with High Oxygen Flow

    Published on: January 13, 2017

    Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
    05:39

    Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

    Published on: May 26, 2023

    Area of Science:

    • Clinical anesthesiology and perioperative medicine
    • Respiratory physiology and asthma management research

    Background:

    No consensus exists regarding the most effective strategies to prevent acute bronchospasm during surgical procedures. Clinical practitioners often struggle to balance patient safety with the physiological demands of general anesthesia. Prior research has shown that airway reactivity remains a significant concern for those with chronic respiratory conditions. That uncertainty drove the need for clearer guidelines on managing these vulnerable individuals. This gap motivated a closer look at established protocols for preoperative stabilization. It was already known that airway obstruction poses a severe threat during induction. Experts have long debated how to best mitigate these risks in a clinical setting. Current literature lacks a unified approach to handling sudden respiratory distress in the operating room.

    Purpose Of The Study:

    The aim of this review is to clarify the management strategies for patients with asthma undergoing surgical procedures. It addresses the significant risks associated with acute respiratory distress during induction and intraoperative care. The authors seek to provide a framework for optimizing patient safety through better preoperative preparation. This work explores the specific dangers posed by certain intubation techniques in vulnerable populations. It also highlights the necessity of understanding respiratory physiology for the practicing clinician. The motivation stems from the fear and severity of sudden bronchospasm in the operating room. By synthesizing current knowledge, the study provides actionable advice for the entire perioperative timeline. The researchers intend to improve outcomes by standardizing the approach to these high-risk cases.

    Main Methods:

    The review approach involved a systematic evaluation of clinical practices for managing patients with airway hyperreactivity. Investigators synthesized existing guidelines to identify high-risk maneuvers during surgical induction. They examined established protocols for optimizing lung function prior to elective procedures. The analysis focused on the physiological interactions between anesthetic agents and bronchial smooth muscle. Researchers compared various techniques for securing the airway to determine which methods minimize reflex stimulation. They scrutinized literature regarding the application of topical agents to the upper respiratory tract. The study design prioritized evidence-based strategies for preventing sudden bronchospasm. This methodology allowed for a comprehensive overview of safety standards in the operating theater.

    Main Results:

    Key findings from the literature indicate that acute respiratory attacks during induction represent a major clinical fear. The evidence highlights that light anesthesia during intubation is the most significant danger for these patients. Authors report that failing to provide local analgesia to the upper airways increases the risk of severe complications. The literature confirms that all individuals with asthma require optimal therapy to reverse obstruction before surgery. Findings suggest that the severity of these attacks is a primary concern for medical professionals. The synthesis shows that proactive management of airways is essential for safe conduct. Data indicate that the anesthetist plays a vital role in advising on respiratory health during the entire hospital stay. The review confirms that understanding these principles is necessary for both safety and effective postoperative care.

    Conclusions:

    The authors propose that achieving maximal reversal of airway obstruction is a prerequisite for safe surgical intervention. They suggest that clinicians must prioritize thorough preoperative assessment to minimize the risk of intraoperative complications. The review emphasizes that avoiding light anesthesia during intubation is critical for patient safety. Practitioners are advised to utilize local analgesia to suppress airway reflexes effectively. The researchers indicate that understanding asthma management is necessary for both intraoperative care and postoperative guidance. They conclude that proactive planning significantly reduces the likelihood of severe respiratory events. The synthesis suggests that informed clinical judgment remains the best defense against acute attacks. This work highlights the necessity of comprehensive respiratory care throughout the entire perioperative period.

    The researchers propose that intubation under light anesthesia without prior local analgesia triggers severe airway obstruction. This specific technique is identified as the primary danger during induction, potentially causing acute attacks that are highly feared by clinical staff.

    The authors suggest that local analgesia of the upper airways serves as a protective measure. This technique helps suppress reflex responses that might otherwise lead to bronchospasm when a tube is inserted into the trachea.

    The authors state that optimizing therapy to achieve maximal reversal of obstruction is necessary before surgery. This preparation ensures the patient is in the best possible physiological state to withstand the stress of the procedure.

    The review utilizes clinical assessment data to guide management. This information helps the practitioner determine the appropriate level of care required for both the pre- and postoperative phases of the patient's journey.

    The researchers measure the severity of respiratory attacks during induction and intraoperative phases. They observe that these events are particularly dangerous due to their sudden onset and potential for rapid escalation.

    The authors propose that the anesthetist must provide advice on respiratory care throughout the entire perioperative period. This involvement ensures continuity of care and better outcomes for individuals with chronic lung conditions.