General anesthesia/endotracheal intubation--what do they do if asthma?

Same: If it is elective surgical procedure , with an asthmatic attach surgery will be cancelled , till the asthma is treated , then procedure will be same, except bronco- dilators will be used , to prevent an attach during procedure.

Depends: General anesthesia can often make an asthma attack better, but patients with severe asthma and poor lung function can be more difficult to wean off anesthesia.

Nothing different: As with any chronic disease, it is best to get asthma under good control before surgery. But the muscle relaxants used in general anesthesia are a great treatment for severe asthma, and can be used during life-threatening asthma attacks. The only real concern is that if asthmatic inflammation is not adequately controlled before surgery, it may cause complications afterwards.

Avoid triggers: Asthma that is well controlled with inhalers poses little risk under ga. The anesthesia gases in current use (desflurane, sevoflurane) actually are good bronchodilators. We can even administer albuterol during surgery if necessary. Smooth insertion and removal of the breathing tube helps avoid an asthma attack. A nebulizer treatment can be given before and after surgery too.

Pretty safe: Before any asthmatic undergoes surgery and intubation, there asthma should be under excellent control. If one's asthma is not under control, unless it is an emergency surgery, most surgeons and anesthesiologists would probably defer surgery until later.

Pre treat: When we have a patient with asthma we try and ensure that inhalers are used prior to anesthesia. If at all possible we try and avoid an endotracheal tube, but this is not usually possible. If asthma is triggered your anesthesiologist will be easily able to treat it during surgery. Talk to your anesthesiologist before the operation.