Middle East journal of anaesthesiology
-
Middle East J Anaesthesiol · Jun 2014
ReviewFentanyl-induced cough--pathophysiology and prevention.
Many reports have demonstrated that intravenous administration of a bolus of fentanyl at induction of anesthesia can cause coughing with varying degrees. This cough can be benign, but sometimes it causes undesirable side effects including an increase in intraabdominal, intracranial or intraocular pressure. ⋯ This cough was described by several mechanisms including an inhibition of central sympathetic system leading to vagal predominance, reflex bronchonstriction after the stimulation of tracheobronchial tree receptors, or histamine release. The efficacy of several measures to avoid fentanyl-induced cough have been demonstrated, and several anesthetics adjuncts can be given prior to fentanyl administration aiming at decreasing this unwanted side effect.