Medications
Asthma Inhalers Before Surgery
For asthma and COPD, the advice is the opposite of 'stop' — keep your inhalers going and bring them with you.
Quick answer
Why it matters
Anesthesia and breathing tubes can irritate the airway. If your asthma is well controlled going in, your airway is calmer and complications like wheezing or bronchospasm are less likely.
Stopping your preventer inhaler before surgery would make your asthma less controlled — exactly the wrong direction. So inhalers are continued.
Do not stop without instruction
What to ask your doctor
- Should I use my inhalers as normal on the morning of surgery?
- Should I bring my inhaler (and spacer) to the hospital?
- Do I need extra reliever or a nebulizer beforehand?
- Is my asthma well enough controlled for surgery?
Red flags — call your team
Red flags — call your team
- Wheezing, chest tightness, or breathlessness now
- A recent asthma flare, course of steroids, or hospital visit
- Using your reliever much more than usual
References
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) — perioperative respiratory considerations. asahq.org
Frequently asked questions
Should I use my asthma inhaler before surgery?
Yes. Keep using your inhalers, including on the morning of surgery, and bring them with you. Good control lowers airway risks.
Can I have surgery if my asthma is flaring?
A recent flare may delay elective surgery. Tell your team early if your asthma is worse than usual, so they can optimize it first.