Inquiry About Asthma Management During Surgery
Following my initial surgical experience, I am left wondering about the usage of my rescue inhaler during my subsequent operation. After my first procedure, which involved sinus surgery, I awoke to a terrifying sensation of not being able to breathe. While it's common for individuals to behave unexpectedly when regaining consciousness, I was aware of my surroundings; however, I experienced significant shortness of breath and struggled to draw in air. My throat also throbbed painfully. Having lived with asthma for many years, I recognized the signs of an attack and immediately requested my inhaler. Thankfully, after taking two puffs, I was finally able to breathe more comfortably, and the rest of my recovery went smoothly. When I prepared for my second surgery, a total thyroidectomy, I shared my previous experience with my physician. He advised me to bring my rescue inhaler along, ensuring it was within reach throughout the operation. Upon waking, I was relieved to find that I had not encountered any complications. However, I discovered that the medical team had used between 20 to 40 puffs from my inhaler, although I can't recall the exact amount. This leads me to my question: what could have transpired that warranted such extensive use of my inhaler? Could the irritation caused by the breathing tube have triggered an asthma episode? Despite all reports indicating that the surgeries were successful, I remain curious about the circumstances surrounding my asthma management in this context. Currently, my asthma is moderately controlled, and I am continuing to work with my general practitioner to manage it more effectively. By way of background, I am a 34-year-old female, weighing 135 pounds and measuring 5’3”. My prescribed medications include ProAir, Breo, and Levothyroxine. Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 6:01:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about your asthma management during and after surgery, especially given your previous experiences. Key points to consider include the potential impacts of anesthesia and breathing tubes on asthma, the reasons for using your inhaler, and ongoing management of your condition.
Explanation:
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Surgical Impact on Asthma: Anesthesia and the presence of a breathing tube can irritate your airways. This irritation might trigger asthma symptoms, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions. The sensation of shortness of breath you experienced could have been a result of this irritation or even a mild asthma attack.
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Use of Your Inhaler: The medical team might have used your rescue inhaler to alleviate acute breathing difficulties that arose during your recovery. It’s common for healthcare providers to administer additional puffs of a rescue inhaler if they determine that a patient's airway is compromised, ensuring a quicker response to any breathing issues.
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Monitoring and Management: Now that your asthma is moderately controlled, continuing to work with your healthcare provider on management strategies is crucial. Make sure to discuss your surgical experiences, as this information can help tailor your asthma action plan in future procedures.
Next Steps:
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Review Your Action Plan: Discuss with your healthcare provider about creating or revising your asthma action plan, especially considering surgical settings. Ensure it includes instructions on when to use your rescue inhaler.
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Educate Your Surgical Team: Prior to any future surgeries, provide detailed information about your asthma, prior experiences, and what has worked for you. This can help them prepare and respond appropriately.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your asthma symptoms post-surgery in a diary. Note any differences with the use of pain medications or changes in your management plan after surgery.
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Prepare for Future Surgeries: Always bring your rescue inhaler and clearly communicate its importance to the medical staff involved in your care.
Your proactive approach to managing your asthma in the surgical context is commendable, and preparing for future events will contribute to your overall peace of mind. If you have more questions or concerns as you continue your journey, feel free to ask!
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