Anaesthesia techniques and drugs: Effects on pulmonary function

The fundamental function of the lungs is to keep the blood oxygenated and remove carbon dioxide via the network of capillaries next to the alveoli. Utilizing ventilatory reserve capacity and alterations to lung mechanics help to maintain this. The induction of anaesthesia affects pulmonary functioning by causing unconsciousness, reflex depression, rib cage alterations, and hemodynamic abnormalities. All anaesthetic medications, including those administered through inhalation, have an impact on pulmonary functions either directly by acting on the respiratory system or indirectly by acting on other systems. Comparatively to intravenous induction drugs, volatile anaesthetics have more prominent effects on pulmonary functions, resulting in hypercarbia and hypoxia. The patient's position also causes significant modifications in lung functioning. Neuromuscular blockers and anticholinergics have negligible impact. Combining volatile anaesthetics and induction agents with analgesics and sedatives may make them more potent. The final result may differ from when individual agents are used alone since many ones are employed during anaesthesia