How Breathing Works During Anaesthesia

When you’re under anaesthesia, your anaesthetist takes over the important job of managing your breathing, along with keeping a close eye on your pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. It’s all part of making sure you’re comfortable and safe throughout the procedure.

Sometimes, this might involve gently holding a mask over your nose and mouth to help you breathe clearly. In other cases, your anaesthetist might breathe for you using a special bag connected to the equipment. Occasionally, a small, flexible tube might be placed in your mouth to help with breathing.

Throughout the operation, you’re given oxygen, first with a mask and then often through a small, plastic tube. These tubes come in different sizes to fit everyone, depending on their age and size. This helps ensure you’re getting enough oxygen and, in the case of a breathing tube, prevents any stomach contents from getting into your lungs.

Muscle Relaxation – Helping with Breathing and Surgery

To make breathing easier and help with the surgery, your anaesthetist might give you a medicine that relaxes your throat and abdominal muscles. This helps in a couple of ways.

First, it makes it easier to place a breathing tube. Second, it allows the surgeon to perform many operations safely, without causing any damage to your muscles. This is especially important for operations in your abdomen, hip, or chest.

When you receive a muscle relaxant, all your muscles relax, including those that help you breathe. In this case, your anaesthetist will be breathing for you, usually with a machine called a ventilator, or sometimes by gently squeezing a bag connected to the equipment.

Different Types of Breathing Tubes

We use different types of tubes to help with breathing. A smaller tube, called an oral airway, is often used for minor procedures. A slightly larger tube, called a laryngeal mask airway, fits over the top of your throat. Many anaesthetists now use this for procedures that used to require a smaller tube.

The breathing tube, called an endotracheal tube, goes a little further down, just below your vocal cords. We usually use this for more complex operations, such as those involving the brain, head, neck, chest, back, abdomen, or pelvis. Sometimes, you might be positioned differently during surgery, and the breathing tube helps keep your airway open.

Rarely, Breathing Before You’re Asleep

In very rare cases, a breathing tube might need to be placed before you’re fully asleep, while you’re still awake. This is called “awake intubation” and is usually only necessary if you have a blockage or growth in your throat. If this is needed, you’re given a numbing solution to gargle to make the process more comfortable, and your anaesthetist will explain everything beforehand.

How Do We Know the Tube is in the Right Place?

Once the tube is in place, your anaesthetist carefully monitors your breathing and oxygen levels. One of the most reliable ways to confirm the tube is in the correct spot is to measure the carbon dioxide you breathe out. Carbon dioxide is a natural byproduct of your body using oxygen, and its presence in the tube confirms it’s in the windpipe.

Your anaesthetist also listens to your chest with a stethoscope and watches how your chest moves as you breathe, making sure everything looks normal. They might even intentionally place the tube in one lung if the surgeon is operating on the other.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will my child feel any discomfort during the procedure?

A: We do everything we can to minimize any discomfort. The anaesthesia itself should make your child feel relaxed and comfortable. Your anaesthetist will also use techniques to reduce any potential soreness or irritation from the breathing tube.

Q: What if my child is scared or anxious about the breathing tube?

A: It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious! We understand that a tube in the mouth or nose can be unsettling. We’re here to explain everything in a way that’s easy to understand and to address any concerns you or your child may have. We may use distraction techniques or gentle explanations to help your child feel more at ease.

Q: What happens if the breathing tube gets dislodged?

A: Your anaesthetist is constantly monitoring your child’s breathing and airway. If the tube were to come out, they would immediately reinsert it or place a temporary alternative to ensure your child continues to receive adequate oxygen.

Q: Can I be present when the breathing tube is placed?

A: In most cases, a parent or caregiver can be present when the breathing tube is placed. However, this depends on the specific procedure and the child’s age and comfort level. We will discuss this with you beforehand.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with using a breathing tube?

A: While rare, there are some potential risks, such as a sore throat or minor irritation. Serious complications are extremely uncommon. Your anaesthetist will discuss any potential risks with you in detail before the procedure.

Q: How long will it take for my child to recover after the procedure?

A: Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the anaesthesia used. Most children feel relatively normal within a few hours. We’re here to provide post-operative care and instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.