Respiratory Conditions

Question 1

Define Asthma

Answer 1

characterised by recurrent attacks of paroxysmal dyspnoea with reversible variable airflow obstruction and increased bronchial hyper-responsiveness to a range of stimuli

Affects ~5% population ~10% children.

Question 2

What are the issues with asthma and anaesthesia

Answer 2

Intraoperative bronchspasm - occurs in oler asthmatics and those with active/poorly controlled at time of operation.

Increased postoperative pulmonary complications
especially in older patients with chronic airways disease in whom cardiac problems may also be present.