CA
A 27-year-old member asked:
What are the major side effects of general anesthesia?
4 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Mackinnonanswered
Anesthesiology 35 years experience
Many side effects: The side effects are many but fortunately short lived. Probably the most significant is post operative nausea in the immediate period after surgery, this is treatable. Prolonged "grogginess", confusion in the elderly, sleepiness, sore throat(transient) are other side effects. It is important to know that these are typically absent on day two.
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6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
Dr. Mackinnon is right.
There can be many side effects.
Remember that the side effects can be anticipated by your health history so be honest with your doctors so that they can minimize the side effects.
Also remember that your doctors and nurses are trained to help you deal with and manage the side effects.
Good luck.
Mar 3, 2012
Dr. Rita Agarwalanswered
Anesthesiology 37 years experience
Nausea, tiredness: The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, lethargy and sore throat. Major side effects are extremely rare, but anesthesiologists monitor carefully for them. These: problems with your breathing, heart or a reaction to one of the medications. In patients with dental work, occasionally teeth can get chipped or gums injured.Sicker patients have higher risks.
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5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
PONV: The most common side effects are post operative nausea and vomiting (ponv), sore throat, muscle aches and pains, and confusion disorientation and post operative cognitive decline, primarily among the elderly.
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Dr. Richard Pollardanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Pain and Nausea: Most of the anesthetic agents disappear very quickly. That is why patients only remember the post anesthesia care unit issues.The main postoperative problems that patients experience are pain and nausea. Both of these are easily treatable by an alert pacu staff.
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Similar questions
A 38-year-old member asked:
Could you tell me what are side effects of being put under general anesthesia?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Julian Goldmananswered
Anesthesiology 38 years experience
Varied: When we discuss possible side effects we may group them into "more likely", "less likely", and "rare" and personalize the information for the patient's health issues and procedure. Example list: nausea, vomiting, sore throat, tooth damage, inadequate post-op pain relief, allergies or other reaction to medication ranging from minor to severe, heart rhythm problems, urinary retention, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
GA
A 34-year-old member asked:
What side effects does general anesthesia have on a 30 week fetus?
5 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Karen Sibertanswered
Anesthesiology 41 years experience
Short-lived: General anesthesia that a mother receives passes through her system into the baby's system. However, it goes away quickly too. If the baby were born right away, it might be sleepy or need help with breathing. But assuming that the baby is not born yet, the anesthesia meds will be gone within a few hours. At 30 weeks, all the baby's organs and limbs are formed, so there is no risk of birth defects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
What are the after effects of having general anesthesia?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert McMurtrieanswered
Pain Management 25 years experience
Depends: It really depends on your age, medical history and time under anesthesia. Common issues are dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, nausea, headache, tired feeling - all kind of like a hangover. Sometimes in older people, especially if they have a history of some dementia, there may be postoperative delirium or worsening of dementia. It is best to speak with your anesthesiologist before surgery.
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5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 21, 2018
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