Anesthesia is used when an individual has to undergo any kind of surgery. Surgery Encyclopedia defines it as a medication that is administered to a person so that no pain or sensation is felt while the surgery or the medical procedure is being carried out. It can be given in the form of an injection or through inhalation. It works by blocking the nerve impulses so that the person does not feel any pain. There are four types of anesthesia: local; regional; general; and conscious, or intravenous sedation. Like all medications, anesthesia has its own side effects.
Grogginess
MayoClinic.com reports that grogginess is a side effect of anesthesia. General anesthesia, in which the patient goes to sleep and feels nothing, will make the individual feel groggy after waking up. Disorientation and confusion may occur after the surgery. Patients often feel weak, tired and drowsy for several days. Individuals may also experience blurred vision, coordination problems and difficulties in making decisions.
Nausea and Vomiting
Surgery Encyclopedia states that nausea and vomiting may occur as a side effect of anesthesia. This especially occurs with general anesthesia. Anti-nausea medications are often used to alleviate these side effects.
Anesthetic Toxicity
Another side effect that can occur with inhalation anesthetics is toxicity, as reported by the Surgery Encyclopedia. These can prove to be toxic to the kidney, liver or blood cells. The medication halothane may cause necrosis in the liver or hepatitis. The medication sevoflurane can prove to be toxic to the kidneys. The breakdown products of inhalation anesthetics in the anesthesia machine may form carbon monoxide. This can be toxic to red blood cells.
Allergic Response
An allergic response to general anesthesia may occur, as stated by the Surgery Encyclopedia. This can cause the heartbeat of the individual to beat rapidly and cause breathing problems. Tightness or spasms in the muscles may also occur. In addition, the patient may have a high fever. This condition is called malignant hyperthermia and especially occurs after the administration of the general anesthetic halothane.
Other Side Effects
A patient may soreness in the throat and dryness in the mouth. This often occurs when a tube is inserted down the throat to help administer the anesthesia. MayoClinic.com states that the individual may also experience chills and shivering.
