Is there a risk of allergic reaction with general anesthesia?

General anesthesia is safe in most cases, but a very small number of patients with allergic constitutions may experience allergic reactions to anesthetic agents. This type of allergic reaction is categorized as an allergic hypersensitivity reaction, triggered by the binding of immunoglobulin IgE with antibodies, leading to a rapid and severe systemic defensive response. The severity of allergic reaction symptoms varies; mild cases may present with itching, redness, and hives, while severe cases can lead to decreased blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and even anaphylactic shock. Therefore, although allergic reactions to general anesthesia are rare, they still require great attention and necessary preventive and management measures must be taken to ensure patient safety. For patients experiencing an allergic reaction, the allergenic drug should be discontinued immediately, and appropriate therapeutic measures should be implemented.