Speakers - 2027

Title: Bronchoscopy in children with asthma

Abstract

Bronchoscopy in children with asthma requires careful patient selection and meticulous anesthetic managem. The procedure is indicated for atypical or refractory wheeze, recurrent pneumonia, suspected foreign body, airway anomalies, or bronchoalveolar lavage, but it is not performed routinely in asthma. It should be avoided in severe hypoxemia, hemodynamic instability, and generally during acute severe asthma. Preoperative optimization includes achieving good asthma control, administering inhaled bronchodilators with or without anticholinergics, using corticosteroids when indicated, and treating any active infection. The main anesthetic goals are to prevent bronchospasm, maintain oxygenation, and ensure deep anesthesia before airway manipulatin. Spontaneous ventilation is often preferred . Continuous monitoring, especially capnography, is essential for early detection of bronchospasm, hypoventilation, or desaturation. Postoperatively, children should be observed for recurrent wheeze, hypoxia, or respiratory distress and continue bronchodilator therapy as needed. Overall, successful bronchoscopy in pediatric asthmatic patients depends primarily on preventing bronchospasm through careful preparation, gentle airway management, and vigilant perioperative monitoring.