What are the side effects of anesthetics?

Anesthetic side effects are related to the type of drug, route of administration, and individual differences. They mainly include effects on the respiratory system, cardiovascular responses, neurological symptoms, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal discomfort. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Respiratory System Effects: Most anesthetics suppress the respiratory center, manifesting as slowed breathing rate and reduced depth; severe cases may lead to respiratory arrest. Inhalational anesthetics may irritate the airway, causing coughing or laryngospasm. Patients with pre-existing lung diseases are more prone to decreased blood oxygen saturation.

2. Cardiovascular Reactions: Common manifestations include blood pressure fluctuations and abnormal heart rate. Some drugs cause vasodilation leading to hypotension, while others stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in elevated blood pressure and tachycardia. Elderly patients or those with cardiovascular disease may develop arrhythmias or myocardial ischemia.

3. Neurological Symptoms: Postoperative dizziness and headache are common but usually temporary, resolving within hours to days. Some patients may experience agitation or delirium, particularly elderly individuals, due to slow drug metabolism and increased central nervous system sensitivity. A small number may have transient memory impairment.

4. Allergic Reactions: Although rare, these reactions carry high risk. Mild cases present with skin itching and rashes, whereas severe reactions include laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, and even anaphylactic shock. Patients allergic to ester-type local anesthetics should avoid similar agents and switch to amide-type anesthetics.

5. Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects, caused by anesthetic stimulation of the vomiting center and disrupted gastrointestinal motility. Some patients may develop bloating or constipation, primarily due to anesthesia-induced suppression of gastrointestinal function, worsened by reduced physical activity after surgery. These symptoms typically resolve gradually within several days.

Prior to anesthesia, physicians evaluate the patient's health status and develop an individualized plan to minimize the risk of side effects. Close monitoring of vital signs is required postoperatively, and prompt management of any adverse effects is essential. Most side effects can be rapidly alleviated with symptomatic treatment and do not result in long-term consequences.