Bronchospasm during anaesthesia

Download – Bronchospasm during anaesthesia (Update_2011)

Bronchospasm is a relatively common event during general anaesthesia. Management begins with switching to 100% oxygen and calling for help early. Stop all potential precipitants and deepen anaesthesia. Exclude mechanical obstruction or occlusion of the breathing circuit. Aim to prevent/correct hypoxaemia and reverse bronchoconstriction. Consider a wide range of differential diagnoses including anaphylaxis, aspiration or acute pulmonary oedema.

Alex Looseley