Respiratory Tract Infection: Anaesthetic Considerations
Anesthetic Considerations for Respiratory Tract Infections By Dr.Ali K.Jawad • Updated: March 07, 2026 Respiratory Tract Infection: Anesthetic Considerations Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are among the most common medical conditions encountered in clinical practice. For the anesthesiologist, a patient presenting with an RTI—ranging from a mild upper respiratory infection (URI) to severe pneumonia—presents a significant challenge. The primary concern is the increased risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs), including laryngospasm, bronchospasm, atelectasis, and postoperative pneumonia. This lecture outlines the pathophysiology, risk stratification, and management strategies for these patients. [ 1. P...