Anesthesia for lung diseases

Patients who have chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD for short) or suffer from severe asthma should also mention this to the anesthesiologist. The anaesthetist can then decide whether anaesthesia is really sensible and safe despite a cold, which puts a further strain on the lungs. In most cases, however, a cold is no longer a problem under anesthesia.

In summary, it is always important to check your state of health before an operation in order to inform the doctor of any new symptoms. A mild and also a moderate cold under anesthesia are no longer a problem today, as long as the patient feels fit and has no previous chronic illnesses that would put additional strain on the airways (asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease…). However, if the cold becomes acutely worse or if fever, severe malaise or pain in the limbs is added, the doctor must be informed immediately so that the operation plan can be changed and the operation can be postponed for a few days until the patient is feeling well enough to feel strong enough for an anaesthetic despite the cold and has the feeling that he or she can breathe freely again.

In general, the well-being of the patient is the highest priority. This means that if a patient does not feel able to have an anesthesia because of the cold, the doctor has to take this into account, may be able to encourage and persuade the patient, but will accept the patient’s decision.

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