Post Nasal Drip During Surgery

[MiraMar111]

I have chronic post nasal drip.
I recently had surgery on  my hip.  During it, I started gasping and woke up with a nurse holding an oxygen mask over my face.  They said fluids must have built up in my throat.
Now I'm having surgery on my knee and I will be receiving a spinal instead of general anesthesia due to that episode.
Won't  the fact of just lying on my back possibly cause the same problem to occur?


This discussion is related to Cure for constant Post Nasal Drip and throat clearing.

[2swallow]

I too am very concerned about surgeries and post nasal drip.  Goes to show you that they CAN stop it so you don't drown during surgery and recovery, etc.  Good thing.
Also, ever notice that none of your doctors have this ailment?  They sure as heck know what the "fix" is and are not telling.  Nor are they prescribing the "fix", just the never ending mini-fix.

[chrisbobby]

yeah how do people on ventilators avoid choking to death?

[MiraMar111]

At the last minute I chose general anesthesia.  The anesthesiologist was wonderful. He did give me something to dry out the secretions and everything went well!

Thank you for your reply.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello, understand your anxiety. But with spinal the secretions may not accumulate. With spinal anesthesia, depending on the level of injection given, below that the body is paralysed. So, the normal swallowing mechanism will be retained. Post nasal secretions will be increased on lying down, but this happens during sleep also. Moreover you will be given medications to dry out the secretions, so don't worry. And good luck with your procedure. Regards.

[Trisha4465]

That is the mysterious question...just what is the name of the drug an Anesthiologist gives you to dry out secretions that make you cough?