A recent study released from Harvard shows that children exposed to second-hand smoke have more trouble breathing when under general anesthesia during surgery. The study appears in the current journal Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and was conducted by Dr. Dwight Jones of the Boston Children’s Hospital and Dr. Neil Bhattacharyya of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
The study involved 400 children undergoing surgery procedures such as removal of fluid in the middle ear or hernia operations with standard protocol. About 40% of the children had been exposed to secondhand smoke throughout their lives, according to their families. These children generally exhibited more difficulties in surgery than children who had not been exposed to secondhand smoke. 38% of children exposed to secondhand smoke secreted more mucus, causing difficulties in surgical procedures. These children were also prone to breath holding and were found likely to have airway constrictions. The most difficult time for the children was in the wake-up period of the procedure, when their glands and senses were active and aware of their environment.
If you or someone you know has suffered difficulties due to second hand smoke or premise negligence, please feel free to contact a personal injury attorney for more information on injury law and what you can do to help. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos in New York, New York are experienced personal injury lawyers willing to supply consultation and answer questions.
