Anesthesia and asthma.

[maximo]

I have just found out my mum is going to have an operation under general anaesthetic to remove a begnin growth in her breast on Tuesday. The thing is she suffers from asthma, quite badly, and I would like to know if the anesthesia will affect her in any way considering her condition. She keeps telling me everything is fine, but she obviously says this to prevent me from worrying. Does anyone know ? I'm quite worried about the whole thing. Thanks. Max

[johntheplamf]

There's no need to worry max, my sister is exactly the same, and had an operation. As long as the doctor knows all about the Asthma, they'll take every precautionary measure. They've probably had the same thing thousands of times.

[Impret-Sir]

Max, I have worked in anaesthetics for over 20 years, I promise, as long as your mothers anaethetist knows about her condition, (and he will), there are no significant extra risks in having a GA when you have asthma.

[maximo]

Thank you very much ! It's nice to get some informed opinions ! I'm a bit less worried now. Ta.

[jno]

I didn't have asthma until I had an operation under anesthetic; now I have (started straight after). I suspect there's some sort of link. Do make sure the surgeon knows.