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Abstract Respiratory diseases are one of the most frequently encountered problems in anesthetic practice, which may add to the risk of the operation. This includes some of the commonest respiratory diseases like: COPD and bronchial asthma. COPD is a title which is used mainly to refer to patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema characterised by the development of respiratory obstruction. Bronchial asthma is chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways leading to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing in response to variable stimuli. These episodes are usually associated with variable widspread airways obstruction, that is often reversible. A review of normal anatomy and physiology of respiratory system, and pathophysiology of COPD and bronchial asthma were discussed with some detail in this essay. Preoperative assessment of the patient’s condition was discussed to help in reducing the expected complications and their management. A good assessment can be achieved by carefull history, examination and investigation including pulmonary function tests in detail. |