Anesthesia is used in surgery to block nerve impulses and leave the body, or a particular part of body, less insensitive to pain and discomfort. The drugs given while performing anesthesia can numb the body for a short period of time or induce unconsciousness and block the nerves. The one thing which worries most of the patient just before the surgery is anesthesia. There are number of questions which arise in their mind while facing the surgery, Will the body feel any pain while surgery? Is there a chance that patient wake up during the surgery? Will the patient asleep completely?
Effects of Anesthesia and How to Reduce them
Even though, throughout the years, science of anesthesia has developed radically, yet it can produce negative side effects. Some of these lingering effects are mentioned below:
- Your body could feel fatigue after the operation which may take few days to weeks to recover.
- According to a research, if a patient is operated under general anesthesia, there is a chance that it may affect his cognitive functions. Patient could face problems with attention and concentration.
- It could cause nausea and vomiting after surgery which is also called postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Anesthesia could also cause sore throats.
- Teeth damage is an infrequent but very adverse complication of general anesthesia, roughly occurring in 1:2000-cases. The most frequently injured teeth are the upper front ones.
- An over dose of anesthesia can paralyze the body and can even cause death.
It is very important to have a preoperative discussion with a member of the anesthesia team, which will keep you safe. You should inform anesthesiologist with all the vital information regarding your health. Following given points will help you to keep safe after the surgery:
1. It is important for anesthesiologist to know all about the medication, drugs and supplements you are taking. There are bright chances of anesthesia to react with some drugs which could cause dangerous side effects. So it is vital to inform anesthesiologist about your medication.
2. Your anesthesia team should have proper knowledge about the allergies you have. This includes allergies to any drugs, seasonal allergies, pet allergies, food allergies and allergies to dyes and preservatives. If not informed about these allergies, it`s reaction with anesthesia could be life-threatening.
3. Try to keep your stomach empty for at least 6-8 hours, before your surgery. If you eat before the surgery, it could cause nausea, vomiting and aspiration of food into the lungs.
4. Having drinks before the operation could also cause nausea, vomiting and aspiration of drinks into the lungs, which could be life threatening. So, avoid drinks at least 2 hours before the surgery.
5. If you take anti-nausea drug, it can help in reducing post- anesthesia nausea and vomiting. Have a conversation with the doctor before taking these drugs.
6. Give yourself proper rest and try not to rush back to work, school or other activities.
These are the general recommendations which could help you face the side effects of anesthesia. Before doing anything try to have an advice from a doctor on this.
