Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/6/2010

Question
I have been under general anesthesia twice: in 1997 for a few mole removals from my nose and again a few years ago with the birth of my second child (platelet count low needed emergency C-section).  In both occasions, I wake up with the feeling that I am "gasping" for air.  As if I am fighting for every breath.  The episodes seem to end quickly after given some sort of treatment.  I reviewed the records from a few years ago and all I seem to be able to glean from them is that epinephrine and a breathing treatment were given. It is hard to read the notes but also looks like something about a possible "stridor?" The only other times I have had any type of anesthesia other than general would be with wisdom teeth extraction and an epidural with my first child.  I had no reactions with either. I am not aware of any allergies or asthma.  I am considering having a breast augmentation and am concerned going under general anesthesia again.  Not sure where to start in order to find out what happened so I can try to avoid a 3rd incident.  Should I see an ENT?  An allergist?  Does it sound like an anesthesia allergy? Any advice?  Thank you for your time and consideration!"

Answer
This is not an allergy. It is a common feeling. The stridor "probably" means that you had either bronchspasm or larygospasm which is a known complication but not an allergy. You should let your next anesthesiologist know what happened previously, but there should not be any other reason to worry. Assuming you don't have asthma, the likelihood of a repeat episode is low.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston