Surgery asthma can be traumatic for any individual.
Once the surgery has taken place, post-operative care has to be considered. A well planned treatment is essential to a quick recovery.
Proper medical treatment and rehabilitation should be initiated immediately. This should include an asthma management to treat and prevent symptoms.
If surgery is in your future then you should be aware of the care that you will need afterwards to prevent complications.
Asthma Surgery Increases The Risk For Complications
Surgery asthma often complicates an already difficult situation. By itself surgery changes the exchange of oxygen to the organs and slows the flow of oxygen to the lungs. This can also diminish the cough reflex and lead to mucus plugs in the lungs.
The highest risks for complications occur in patients undergoing chest or upper abdominal surgery or those with severe asthma symptoms. When symptoms such as wheezing and shortness are involved, it creates a critical condition.
Asthma Can Be Painful After Surgery
For someone with asthma, pain and trauma are multiplied with surgery. He or she has to deal with asthma, the reason behind the operation, and stress in general. After the surgery takes place, the person will most likely be in pain. Pain unfortunately can trigger asthma symptoms, discourage coughing, and prevent deep breathing.
Pain management should be addressed early during the surgical process. Pain and stress are not tolerated well in asthmatics so it has to be dealt with diligently. Whether it is a mild oral medication such as ibuprofen or a stronger narcotic, it should alleviate discomfort so that the individual is comfortable to breath.
Post-operative Care Does Matter
Post-operative care is essential to preventing complications. Besides pre-operative care, it is the second most important part of the surgical process for asthmatics. These are the important tools to help you to a successful recovery:
Post-op monitoring. Observation after surgery of cardiac and respiratory status is important to watch for complications. This usually shows up as a change from your normal condition and can indicate a problem. A pulse oximeter is placed on your finger to measure oxygen levels and can tell if you are in trouble.
Inhaled Bronchodilators. For those with mild to moderate asthma symptoms, this medication is given before or after surgery to relieve wheezing or shortness of breath. It is usually tolerated well and does not interfere with anesthesia.
IV cortisone. During surgery, the body can be stressed and asthma symptoms can worsen. Intravenous cortisone is given to alleviate the situation and decrease the symptoms.
Ambulation. After surgery asthmatics need to get out of bed as soon as possible. Bedrest tends to build up mucus and make it difficult to breath. Ambulation encourages coughing and removes excess mucus. This opens airways and helps the lungs to function properly.
Peak Flow Meter. This small device is blown into to determine how well the lungs are functioning. Done on a daily basis, it can tell you when symptoms are about to get worse or improve.
…And Back To Your Normally Scheduled Medication
The ultimate goal after surgery is to resume your normal asthma management. If symptoms should get out of control during a procedure, a course of corticosteroids is given. But this is discontinued quickly after the symptoms improve. Once you are stable after surgery, your usual medications and treatment plan should be continued right away.
In conclusion, those with asthma need to know how their condition will affect surgery. Evaluations should be done before, during, and after the surgery to ensure that the asthmatic person is comfortable and well taken care of.
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