Cold Symptoms and Anesthesia

There is always a chance that complications may occur when anesthesia is used, and a cold could increase the likelihood of such complications. If you have been experiencing cold symptoms and anesthesia will be used during your surgery, you need to let your doctor know. Your surgery may need to be postponed.

 

Cold Symptoms and Anesthesia: An Overview

There are a number of possible complications that can occur with anesthesia, and a person's general health can affect the likelihood of these complications occurring. So if you have been experiencing cold symptoms prior to surgery, make sure to let your doctor know. He or she will consider a number of factors to determine whether to go ahead with surgery or postpone it until the cold symptoms have improved.
 
Some of the factors your doctor will consider related to cold symptoms and anesthesia include the:
 
  • Type of surgery
  • Type of anesthesia
  • Your age and general health
  • His or her personal preference.
     

Cold Symptoms and Anesthesia: Research Results

The research related to cold symptoms and anesthesia is limited. Two separate studies, one involving adults and one involving children, showed an increased risk of anesthesia complications in those people with current or recent colds.
 
The study of adults recommended that surgery be postponed at least 2 weeks. The study of children concluded that most children with current or recent cold symptoms can undergo elective surgery without significant increase in complications related to anesthesia.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;