Ask a doctor on the topic of Anesthesiology

Operation for chronic phlegm in the throat

April 25, 2017 | 25,00 EUR | answered by MD Felix Aaslepp

The following: I will have surgery on Friday (laparoscopy) under general anesthesia. In December, I had a cold and also had a sinus infection. As a remnant, I have had phlegm in my throat since December. It feels like it is running from the back of my nose to my throat and becomes thick and sticky.
I always wake up in the morning with phlegm in my throat. I read that it could be the so-called postnasal drip syndrome. When I clear my throat or consciously and deliberately cough, it usually goes away. However, I don't have to cough, there is no urge to cough or anything like that. My nose is always blocked at night and in the morning, and the phlegm is there. The nose becomes completely clear again during the day.
I know I need to discuss this with the anesthesiologist on site, but do you think it could be problematic during intubation? At first, I thought I was getting a cold again, as it has increased slightly, but I have no fever, no cough, no real runny nose, and I feel fine, and the "expectoration" (if it ever occurs, I have to consciously cough) is colorless.
I have allergic asthma, so it could also be allergy-related. However, I have mentioned the asthma, which is not a problem for the doctor.

Kind regards

MD Felix Aaslepp

Hello!
What you are describing could either be, as you yourself say, a postnasal drip syndrome - especially since you also have allergic asthma, which is often allergic in nature. Or it could be a subacute to chronic sinusitis. If it does not improve, you should have this checked out by an ENT colleague in the long term.
Now to your actual question: This rather small amount of mucus is usually not a problem during intubation. Additionally, every intubation - especially those planned as part of a surgery - is carried out with suction readiness. This means that the anesthesiologist can remove the mucus from your throat at any time and immediately, should it cause any obstruction to their view. So, you don't need to worry about that.
However, as you correctly pointed out, you should still mention this to the anesthesiologist during the preoperative consultation. It is important that your colleague has a comprehensive picture of you.
Best regards!