PATIENT INFORMATION
What should I tell the anaesthesiologist even if nobody asks?
Some information is so important for anaesthesia planning that it is worth mentioning even if you are not asked directly.
Previous anaesthesia experiences
- Any previous difficult intubation or “difficult airway.”
- A serious reaction during a previous anaesthetic, or a family history of a severe anaesthetic reaction such as malignant hyperthermia.
- Severe nausea or vomiting after previous anaesthesia.
- Waking up during an anaesthetic, or unusually slow recovery.
Heart, lung and breathing symptoms
- Chest pain, new breathlessness, fainting, palpitations or a recent decline in how far you can walk or climb stairs.
- A recent heart attack, stroke, blood clot, coronary stent or hospital admission.
- Snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, diagnosed sleep apnoea or CPAP use.
- Recent fever, cough, wheeze, chest infection, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Your mouth and airway
- Loose teeth, crowns, bridges, dentures or difficulty opening your mouth.
- Neck stiffness or limited neck movement.
Other important information
- Pregnancy or any possibility that you may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
- Bleeding easily, heavy bruising or a family bleeding disorder.
- Acid reflux, heartburn or difficulty swallowing.
- Alcohol, smoking, vaping or recreational drug use. This information affects your care. It is not asked to judge you.
If you are worried about something and are not sure whether it matters, mention it. The team can decide whether it is relevant.