Can general anesthesia be performed when having a fever?

Oct 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, whether general anesthesia can be administered during a fever should be determined based on a comprehensive assessment of the specific cause and severity of the fever, as well as the patient's overall health condition. If you feel unwell, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and make decisions under the guidance of a qualified physician. When experiencing fever symptoms and considering general anesthesia, it is important to inform the doctor promptly about the cause of the fever and your physical condition.

Generally, whether general anesthesia can be administered during a fever depends on a comprehensive assessment of the specific cause and severity of the fever, as well as the patient's overall health status. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and make decisions under the guidance of a qualified physician. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the fever is caused by a mild upper respiratory tract infection, body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, and the patient has no significant symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing, general anesthesia may be considered in cases where the surgery is an emergency and life-saving procedure. In such situations, doctors will closely monitor vital signs, enhance airway management during surgery, and actively control infection afterward, aiming to minimize anesthesia-related risks and ensure successful surgical outcomes.

However, if the fever results from a severe infection with body temperature exceeding 38.5°C, accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing or altered consciousness, or if the planned surgery is non-emergency in nature, general anesthesia is generally not recommended. Severe infections increase the risk of post-anesthesia pulmonary complications and hemodynamic instability. Non-urgent surgeries should be postponed until the infection is controlled and body temperature returns to normal, to avoid worsening the condition or causing other adverse outcomes.

When experiencing fever and considering general anesthesia, patients should promptly inform their doctor about the cause of the fever and their physical symptoms, and cooperate with necessary examinations to clarify the diagnosis. The physician will comprehensively evaluate the necessity of surgery and the risks associated with anesthesia—patients must not conceal any symptoms. If surgery needs to be delayed, active treatment for the underlying cause of the fever should be pursued. Once the patient has recovered, a new surgical and anesthetic plan can be established to ensure safe and effective treatment.

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