Anesthesia, the delivery of injected or inhaled medications, results in no memory and the lack of pain, according to MayoClinic.com. This allows surgeons and physicians the opportunity to perform life-saving surgeries and procedures. There are three main types of anesthesia: general, local and regional. Side effects of anesthesia are usually short-lived and immediate, meaning that the medication works upon administration and clears out of the human body within hours.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of all forms of anesthesia. This occurs because the body's digestive system functions decreases under the influence of anesthesia. Before surgeries, doctors routinely ask patients to refrain from eating food to avoid anesthesia complications. The nausea and vomiting side effects should subside within a couple days after the anesthesia wears off.
Drowsiness
The American Society of Anesthesiologists reports that drowsiness occurs due to the sedative introduction into the human body. As a result, the body needs time to recover physically and neurologically in order return to normal body functions. General anesthesia strongly affects the nervous system and the brain, resulting in a deep sleep.
Headache
General anesthesia can produce headaches as a side effect. This occurs because blood vessels dilate during surgical procedures as a result of general anesthesia. The surgeon or anesthesiologist can prescribe a non-analgesic or acetaminophen to treat associated headaches. Headaches also occur from regional anesthesia. This occurs because anesthesia in the spinal column causes pressure within that region to change. Epidural and spinal blocks are types of regional anesthesia.
Problems Urinating
MedlinePlus notes that urinating problems may occur after a spinal block or anesthesia sedative. Surgeons typically use spinal blocks for anesthesia related procedures performed below the waistline. As the anesthesia is introduced into the body, the bladder becomes numb and the ability to control bladder muscles decreases. Until full sensation of the lower extremities return, patients may have difficulty producing or retaining urine flow. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe medications to treat this side effect.
