Is general anesthesia possible despite coughing?

Coughing can have many different causes, but often occurs in the context of infectious diseases. In the conversation with the doctor before the operation, in addition to medication, allergies and chronic pre-existing conditions, acute diseases such as infections are also checked. Often the upper respiratory tract, such as the throat and nasopharynx, is affected, resulting in inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane there.

Depending on the extent and cause, this can increase the risk of anesthesia. In the case of simple infections, such as a flu-like infection without fever and without sputum, there is no reason to postpone the procedure. In case of fever, sputum, purulent secretion or severe impairment of the general condition, however, the procedure should be postponed until 3 weeks after the symptoms have subsided.

Especially if it is an operation in the upper respiratory tract, it must be considered whether it can take place. There is an increased risk of a vocal cord spasm (laryngospasm) and a spasm of the bronchial muscles (bronchospasm), which are emergency situations. For these reasons it is important to inform the doctor about infections or other diseases before the procedure. Here you can get more information about: General anesthesia for a cold

Occasional side effects

The occasional adverse effects of anesthesia with a frequency of 1:10 to 1:100 include bruising or minor bleeding after puncture of a vein necessary to administer the anesthetic. Trembling and freezing as well as nausea and vomiting after anesthesia are also common. In the wake-up phase after anesthesia, children cry and scream quite often. Elderly people and patients suffering from dementia often experience severe confusion and aggressive behavior for several hours. In addition, there may be pain in the throat and pharynx and pain when swallowing.

Rare complications

Other risks of general anesthesia, which statistically occur every hundredth to thousandth anesthesia, are respiratory and circulatory problems, possibly also infections in the area of the injection site (possibly even abscesses or necroses).Hoarseness (usually temporary), headaches and itching are also known to be risks. Cardiac arrhythmia (which, however, is usually transient) or mild allergic reactions may also occur, as well as so-called bronchospasm, a spasmodic closure of the airways. Occasionally the patient’s teeth are injured during the intubation procedure (see above). If the patient is unevenly positioned during the anaesthesia, strains and positioning damage may occur, resulting in temporary sensory disturbances and paralysis.