Question:
I have real bad allergies.

I have had bad allergies for the last 3 years and i wake up with a stuff nose every so often. I was wondering if this would affect the day i have surgery. I have allergies to dust and plants things like that. I was told they will probable put a tube down my nose so i should be ok. Does anyone know if this is true? Thanks for reading. Someone please help if you can.    — DeniseKratzer (posted on July 6, 2003)

July 6, 2003
They will put a tube down your THROAT when they put you out. This is to help you breath while you are under the anesthesia. If you have any problems they hook oxygen to it. It is removed before you wake up. Your throat might feel a little scratchy for a day or two afterward.
   — Delores S.

July 6, 2003
Also be sure to tell the anthesiologist about your allergies and ask if they want you to take your allergy meds that morning as a precaution. DO NOT TAKE THEM unless they tell you it is OK.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 6, 2003
They may put a tube down your throat, or they may put in an NG (naso-gastric) tube, which goes up through your nose and then down into your stomach. Whichever one they do, don't worry about that part. That's the job of the anesthesiologist. He/she is there to put you to sleep, yes, but their job includes monitoring you all through surgery for breathing, oxygen saturation, whether you're "under" enough, and so on. Very good advice about discussing your allergy meds with the anesthesiologist and/or surgeon ahead of time.
   — garw

July 6, 2003
I've not heard about the tube in the nose, but I do know that they will put one down your throat. It gives you pure oxygen so that you can breath better. You'll have a scratchy throat for a day or 2 but that should be about it. Hope this helps.
   — robin E.

July 6, 2003
I too had bad allergies at the time of surgery. I discussed it with my surgeon. I was not allowed to take any medications with a decongestion in it. Decongestions constrict the blood vessels (that is why it raises the blood pressure). I also didn't take my allergy meds for a few weeks after surgery. I take Zyrtec. Some nice people sent me fresh flowers to the hospital after surgery. The flowers set off my allergies. I took Benadryl at the hospital and occasionally for 2 months after surgery when my allergies flared up. I was then allowed to take the Zyrtec. Check with your doctor about your current medication. If you have a nasal decongestion in your meds ask if you should be switched over before surgery. Some decongestives may have a rebound effect once stopped. Make sure not to receive fresh flowers if they set off your alleriges. Hope this helps.
   — june22