Mistakes made during anesthesia can cause some of the most dangerous medical issues because they impact the patient’s ability to breathe and get enough oxygen. Symptoms can show up quickly and must be treated fast; otherwise, the patient may suffer serious long-term and even fatal injuries.
Symptoms
- Struggling to breathe / shallow breathing
- Noisy breathing (wheezing, stridor)
- Low oxygen levels (cyanosis: blue lips, nails)
- Rapid heart rate or sudden blood pressure changes
- Swollen throat or difficulty swallowing after surgery
- Inability to speak after waking up
What Causes Airway Problems During Anesthesia?
Many problems that happen during anesthesia are preventable when the medical team is properly trained and prepared. Standard errors can cause uncommon injuries, and preventing that from happening starts with staff doing their job correctly.
One of the more common errors occurs when the breathing tube is placed in the esophagus rather than the windpipe. If not properly secured, the tube may come loose, creating an additional problem.
Other issues include the medical team’s failure to recognize airway swelling and to monitor it. If not monitored correctly, the problems can get worse without anyone realizing it. If the patient isn’t positioned properly or isn’t given enough oxygen before anesthesia starts, serious injuries can happen.
Serious Injuries that can be Caused by Airway Problems
The medical staff must be prepared to manage airway problems quickly and responsibly. If airway problems are not fixed quickly, injuries can be severe and permanent.
A lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage (including severe hypoxic-ischemic brain injury), respiratory arrest, or a life-threatening condition called ARDS. Because the brain can only go without oxygen for a short time, even short delays can lead to severe disabilities. In the worst cases, airway mistakes can cause death.
Some patients may suffer long-term breathing problems, torn throat tissues, or permanent vocal cord paralysis.
If you or a loved one has been injured during anesthesia, contact Weisser Law today for a free consultation.