PATIENT INFORMATION
What should I tell the anaesthesiologist even if nobody asks?
Tell your anaesthesiologist about any of the following, even if you are not specifically asked:
- 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.
- 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.
- Loose teeth, crowns, bridges, dentures or difficulty opening your mouth.
- Pregnancy or any possibility that you may be pregnant.
- Recent fever, cough, wheeze, chest infection, vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Alcohol, smoking, vaping or recreational drug use. This information affects care; it is not asked to judge you.