asthma day of procedure tips

Overview

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the small airways in your lungs. It can make breathing difficult, especially when your airways become narrow and inflamed. On the day of a medical procedure, such as surgery or a test, it is important to keep your asthma well-controlled to reduce risks and help things go smoothly.

Asthma is very common. Millions of people around the world live with asthma, and many of them safely undergo procedures every day.

Asthma can affect anyone, at any age. It often starts in childhood, but some people develop it as adults. For procedures, it is important for anyone with asthma to plan ahead.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning

Symptoms in children

• Frequent coughing spells, especially when playing or laughing
• Tiring quickly during physical activity
• Breathing faster than usual or using belly muscles to breathe

Symptoms in older adults

• Feeling breathless with everyday activities
• Wheezing that comes and goes
• Other health conditions can make asthma symptoms harder to notice

Causes

Main causes

• Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that make the airways overreact to triggers.
• Common triggers include allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, smoke, and strong emotions.

Risk factors

• Having a family history of asthma or allergies
• Having other allergic conditions like eczema or hay fever
• Being exposed to tobacco smoke or air pollution
• Certain jobs with exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have worsening asthma symptoms that do not respond to your reliever inhaler
• If you are having a severe asthma attack (see emergency symptoms)
• If you need to use your reliever more than every 4 hours

Book a routine appointment if:

• For regular asthma check-ups (at least once a year, or more often if symptoms are not well-controlled)
• To review your asthma action plan and update it before a planned procedure
• If you notice that your asthma is affecting your daily activities

Diagnosis

Asthma is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms, medical history, and breathing tests. A doctor will ask about your symptoms and may do a spirometry test to measure how well your lungs work.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry: you blow into a machine to measure how much air you can exhale and how fast.
• Peak flow meter: a small device that measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs.
• Allergy tests: sometimes done to see if allergies trigger your asthma.

What to expect at your appointment

For a procedure, your healthcare team will review your asthma history, current control, and medicines. They may want you to have a check-up a few weeks before the procedure to make sure your asthma is stable.

Treatment

Asthma treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing attacks. On the day of a procedure, your usual asthma medicines are still important. Your doctor may give you specific instructions about which medicines to take and when.

Self-care at home

• Take all your regular asthma medicines exactly as prescribed, including on the morning of the procedure unless told otherwise.
• Bring your inhalers with you to the hospital or clinic.
• Follow your asthma action plan and let the healthcare team know if you have any concerns.
• Avoid known triggers (like smoke, dust, or perfume) on the day of the procedure.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments for asthma include inhalers (preventer and reliever), and sometimes tablets or injections for severe asthma. Your doctor will decide the best treatment plan for you. Specific medicine names and doses should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Having asthma does not usually mean you need surgery for the asthma itself. However, if you are having surgery for another reason, good asthma control reduces the risk of complications. Your anesthetic team will take extra care.

Living with this condition

Living well with asthma means taking your medicines as prescribed, avoiding triggers, and having an asthma action plan. For procedures, it helps to plan ahead and communicate with your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your home free of dust and mould
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
• Manage allergies if you have them
• Stay active but pace yourself

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise are good for your overall health. Exercise can improve lung function, but be sure to warm up and use your reliever if needed. Some people with asthma find certain foods trigger symptoms, but this varies. Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a long-term condition like asthma can sometimes cause stress, anxiety, or worry, especially around procedures. It is normal to feel this way. Talk to your healthcare team about any fears you have—they can help you prepare and feel more in control.

Prevention

Asthma cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the risk of attacks by avoiding triggers, taking your preventer medicine as prescribed, and staying up to date with your asthma action plan.

Vaccines

It is a good idea to get the flu vaccine every year and the pneumococcal vaccine if recommended, as respiratory infections can trigger asthma attacks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about vaccinations.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for asthma. However, if you have symptoms, see your doctor for an assessment. Before a procedure, your doctor will check your asthma control as part of your pre-procedure evaluation.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent asthma attacks that may require emergency care
• Permanent damage to your airways over time
• Increased risk of complications during medical procedures
• Reduced quality of life and ability to do daily activities

Long-term outlook

With good management, most people with asthma lead full and active lives. Planning ahead for procedures helps keep you safe and reduces risks. Your healthcare team is there to support you every step of the way.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.