CHAPTER 38 Reactive Airway Disease
4 What are the important historical features of an asthmatic patient?
6 What preoperative tests should be ordered?
The most common test is a pulmonary function test, which allows simple and quick evaluation of the degree of obstruction and its reversibility (see Chapter 9). A comparison of values obtained from the patient with predicted values helps to assess the degree of obstruction. Severe exacerbation correlates with a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of less than 30% to 50% of predicted, which for most adults is a PEFR of less than 120 L/min and an FEV1 of less than 1 L. Tests should be repeated after a trial of bronchodilator therapy to assess reversibility and response to treatment.
8 What other medications and routes of delivery are used in asthma?






TABLE 38-1 Useful Medications for Patients with Reactive Airway Disease
Medication | Dose | Comments |
---|---|---|
Albuterol | 2.5 mg in 3 ml of normal saline for nebulization or 2 puffs by MDI | May need repeat treatments |
Terbutaline | 0.3-0.4 mg subcutaneously | May repeat as required every 20 minutes for three doses |
Epinephrine | 0.3 mg subcutaneously | May repeat as required every 20 minutes for three doses |
Corticosteroids | Methylprednisolone, 60-125 mg intravenously every 6 hours, or prednisone, 30-50 mg, orally daily | Steroids are usually tapered at the first opportunity |
Anticholinergics | Ipratropium, 0.5 mg by nebulization or 4-6 puffs by MDI; atropine, 1-2 mg per nebulization | Useful with severe RAD and COPD |
Theophylline | 5 mg/kg intravenously over 30 minutes (loading dose in patients not previously taking theophylline) | After the loading dose, start continuous infusion at the appropriate rate according to age and disease state of the patient, being watchful for any drug interactions |
COPD, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; .MDI, metered-dose inhaler; RAD, reactive airway disease,
9 What is the best approach to preoperative management of the patient with reactive airway disease?





12 What are the complications of intubation and mechanical ventilation in asthmatic patients?
Several strategies for mechanically ventilating bronchospastic patients have been developed:

13 What are the causes of intraoperative wheezing and the correct responses to asthmatic patients with acute bronchospasm?
After carefully checking the endotracheal tube and listening for bilateral breath sounds, increase the inspired oxygen to 100% and deepen the anesthetic if hemodynamically tolerated by the patient. Provoking factors such as medication infusions, misplaced endotracheal tubes, or other causes of airway stimulation should be corrected. Manipulating the ventilator (see question 14) may help. Administer medications as suggested in Question 7.
KEY POINTS: Reactive Airway Disease
15 What new therapies are available to anesthesiologists treating asthmatic patients in bronchospasm?



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