PATIENT INFORMATION
Asthma or COPD
What to tell the team
- How often you have symptoms, and whether they wake you at night
- What inhalers you use and how often
- Whether you have needed steroid tablets, antibiotics or hospital treatment recently
- Whether you have ever needed intensive care for your breathing
- Whether you use home oxygen
- Whether you currently have wheeze, fever or a chest infection
Why it matters
Anaesthesia, a breathing tube and some medicines can irritate sensitive airways. After surgery, pain can make deep breathing and coughing harder. Good control beforehand helps reduce breathing problems.
Stable asthma or COPD does not automatically prevent anaesthesia. The aim is to make sure your respiratory condition is as well controlled as practical and to plan the anaesthetic and postoperative care accordingly.
Practical tips
- Usual inhalers are generally continued; confirm the plan with your treating team.
- Bring your inhalers on the day of surgery unless told otherwise.
- If you smoke, stopping before surgery helps. See the Smoking and vaping page.
Contact the hospital before surgery if
Your breathing is worse than usual, you are using your reliever inhaler more often, or you develop a chest infection or fever. The team may advise a delay until you have recovered.