Effects of Anesthetics

When anesthetics are effective, a patient doesn't feel pain during a surgical procedure or remember any of the proceedings. An anesthetic agent is a compound or drug designed to bring about a state of anesthesia and is used in surgery for reducing pain, shock and other discomfort for patients. It reversibly slows down neuronal functions that cause the loss of ability for feeling pain and other sensations. Although there may be some minor side effects, major side effects are rare.

Types

• The three types of anesthetics are local, regional and general. Local anesthetics only numb a small area of the body and are used for minor procedures. Patients can either remain awake during the procedure or receive medicine to relax or sleep. Regional anesthetics are used for blocking pain in a larger portion of the body and are injected around major spinal cord nerves. General anesthetics affect the brain as well as the body.

Benefits

• Because anesthetics block pain and decrease a patient's discomfort, they help speed up the process of recovery. Also, because a medical staff realizes they aren't inflicting pain, they're able to work more efficiently, concentrating on their job rather than the discomfort of the patient.

Effects on Respiratory System

• Anesthetics can have effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and urinary systems. For example, anesthesia can affect the respiratory system, causing a decrease in a patient's pulmonary efficiency. This can increase the likelihood of post-operative pneumonia. Because breathing can be compromised during surgery anesthetics can present problems with people who already have respiratory problems such as asthma. Also, drug combinations given to reduce pain, in addition to helping the patient's body respond to trauma, can affect respiratory functions.

Effects on Other Body Systems

• Certain anesthetics can increase the risk of heart and post-operative blood pressure problems. Other effects may include hemorrhaging, shock and cardiac arrest. The urinary system can be affected, leading to urinary retention because anesthetics can result in a temporary depression of the bladder. This can cause a reduction in fluids, leading to dehydration and infection. The gastrointestinal system can be affected because anesthetics slow down or even stop the peristaltic action of the intestines, resulting in constipation.

Misconceptions

• Many people who've undergone anesthesia think they were put to sleep by only a shot of Pentothal and the anesthesiologist's job is done. However, the anesthesiologist continues to perform jobs. For example, he adjusts the balance of different drugs that were used to begin the process, as well as maintaining and reversing anesthesia. According to Health Scout.com, normally seven to 10 agents are required for achieving the desired effects.

Considerations

• Risks are dependent on not only the type of anesthetics given but also a patient's health, medical history and how that patient responds to any medications that may be used. A person's age can be another consideration. Before a procedure is done, a doctor or nurse can identify any health issues of patients that can affect their care, so the right type of anesthetics are given for the surgery.