Table of contents:
- Various side effects of general anesthesia that may occur
- Feeling confused, dazed
- Muscle ache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shivering
- Constipation and urinary retention
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Dizzy
- Itchy
- Risk factors that can increase the side effects of general anesthesia
Before undergoing major surgery, such as a heart bypass, you will first be under general anesthesia. The goal is to make you unconscious, immobile, and in no pain at all to make the procedure go smoothly. General anesthesia, or what is often called general anesthesia, is usually injected into a vein or inhaled through the nose using a special mask. General anesthesia procedures are generally safe. Even so, there is still a risk of various side effects of general anesthesia occurring once you wake up. Anything?
Various side effects of general anesthesia that may occur
Most of the side effects of general anesthesia will be felt when you wake up from sleep. The side effects of anesthesia are usually mild and temporary, occurring in a relatively short time.
The following are various side effects of general anesthesia that may occur, namely:
Feeling confused, dazed
You will feel confused and dazed the first time you wake up after being sedated. This is caused by an anesthetic that acts to block the activity of the brain that is responsible for awareness and the body's response to pain. In addition, you will also feel sleepy and complain of blurred vision.
This condition usually lasts for several hours. However, these side effects can last days to weeks in older people.
Muscle ache
Medicines used to relax muscles during surgery can cause muscles to feel sore when you wake up. Usually the condition won't last too long. However, if the pain worsens you can immediately contact your doctor to find out the exact cause.
Nausea and vomiting
This side effect of general anesthesia usually occurs to prevent muscle movement during surgery. Nausea and vomiting usually occur when you wake up after surgery and can last for 1 to 2 days.
Shivering
General anesthesia drugs can mess with your body's natural thermometer, causing your body temperature to drop. In addition, the cold operating room also caused body temperature to drop. So, not infrequently you will shiver after waking up from surgery.
Constipation and urinary retention
The side effect of some anesthetics slows down the movement of muscles, including the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract to remove waste.
Because of this, this drug can cause constipation and incomplete urine (urinary retention) after surgery. You may also find it difficult to urinate.
Sore throat or hoarseness
A tube that is inserted into your throat during surgery to help you breathe can make your throat feel sore when you wake up.
Dizzy
The dizziness will strike when you stand up for the first time after recovering from surgery. Drinking plenty of water can help with the dizziness you experience.
Itchy
If your doctor uses an opiate (opium / opioid) class of anesthetic, you will most likely experience itching in several parts of your body as a result of the drug.
Risk factors that can increase the side effects of general anesthesia
Here are some conditions that can increase the risk of side effects when undergoing general anesthesia, namely:
- People who experience sleep apnea (stop breathing while sleeping).
- Seizures.
- Heart, kidney and lung problems.
- High blood pressure.
- Alcohol addict.
- Smoke.
- Have a bad history of anesthetic drugs.
- Medicine Allergy
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Usually, older people are more at risk of experiencing the side effects of general anesthesia for a longer period of time than younger people.
Don't hesitate to ask about side effects and risks that may occur during and after the anesthesia. In addition, try to follow the various instructions given by the doctor before the operation, including foods and medicines that should be avoided. By following all of your doctor's instructions, you can reduce the risk of side effects from general anesthesia.
