Although scientific minds are somewhat divided on this subject, it is still considered safe practice to cancel an elective surgery if cold symptoms are present in an adult or child. Anesthesia in itself promotes a host of potential side effects and adverse reactions. When paired with the immune dysfunction of simultaneously fighting a cold, or virus, the potential for post-operative complications increases, according to the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia.
Runny Nose
Rhinitis, or a runny nose, can indicate several medical conditions, most prominently a cold or allergies such as hay fever. This drainage can flow into the nasal cavities and throat, causing an irritant that leads to sore throats and nausea, especially in children, according to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Some anesthesias require insertion of an endotracheal tube, a tube that enters the lungs via the mouth, so that ventilation can occur during the surgery, as the medications may halt respiration. Passing this tube through the already irritated throat can compound the sore throat surgical patients will suffer after the surgery and removal of the breathing tube. The color of the nasal secretions is also important; clear nasal secretions may indicate allergies whereas thick yellow or green discharge could be indicative of a cold or infection.
Cough
A common symptom of any common cold is a cough. Coughing is the body's natural way of clearing air passages and maintaining respiration, or breathing. A runny nose and irritated throat can add a tickle that elicits a cough. Excessive mucus in the bronchus, which are large breathing tubes to the lungs, can cause a cough. During anesthesia, an involuntary cough or spasm can constrict the airway and make ventilation, or breathing gas exchange, a challenge. A cold symptom of coughing may also warrant a chest X-ray to rule out any kind of bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, that would drastically impact post-surgical healing. According to Kaiser Permanente, documented respiratory complications such as pneumonia have occurred after administration of anesthesia when cold symptoms are present. Experts recommend waiting at least two weeks after cold symptoms disappear to reschedule surgery.
Fever
Common colds often produce low-grade fevers as the immune system revs up to fight the virus. Most surgeries requiring anesthesia will be canceled if a fever greater than 100 degrees F is present, according to the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. Elevated fevers can be indicative of an influenza infection as opposed to the common cold. People fighting either the flu or a common cold already have their immune systems taxed and may not heal properly after the surgery. Elective surgeries, or surgeries that are not performed for life-saving reasons, should always be postponed with the presence of a fever due to the potential complications with fever and anesthesia receipt, notes the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. Prolonged fevers are indicative of an infectious process within the body that should be treated prior to surgery if possible.
References
- Society for Pediatric Anesthesia: Frequently Asked Questions: Anesthesia While a Child Has a Common Cold
- Kaiser Permanente: Anesthesia Department
- Anesthesia and Analgesia: Anesthesia for the Child With an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Still a Dilemma?
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: Sinusitis
