Anaesthesia is a key tool in modern medicine. Thanks to it, millions of people can undergo surgeries painlessly and safely. But despite its frequent use, many are unaware of what actually happens in the body during anesthesia.
What about the brain? Why don’t we feel anything? And why, sometimes, does the body react with discomfort afterwards? Understanding how anesthesia works not only builds confidence in the face of a medical intervention, but also better prepares us to cope with its effects and recover faster.
What Causes Anesthesia in the Body That We Should All Know
General anesthesia acts on the brain and central nervous system. When given, either intravenously or inhaled, the drugs reach the bloodstream and, within seconds, reach the brain.
Once there, they modify the activity of neurons: it temporarily blocks the brain’s ability to process and respond to stimuli. That’s why during surgery under general anesthesia:
- We don’t feel pain.
- We have no memory of the procedure.
- There are no involuntary movements.
- The body enters a state of controlled unconsciousness.
The most common drugs used in anaesthesia affect different areas of the brain, such as the thalamus, cerebral cortex and brainstem, key areas for alertness and perception. By interrupting their communication, a kind of “functional pause” is achieved in the nervous system.
After the surgery is complete, the medical team stops administering the medications and the body begins to eliminate them, mainly through the liver and lungs. Recovery of consciousness is gradual and can vary depending on the type of anesthesia, the duration of the procedure, and the patient’s health conditions.
Side effects of anesthesia
The most common side effects after a general anesthetic may include:
- Feeling confused or drowsy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Chills or shaking
- Sore throat (from using breathing tubes)
- General fatigue or weakness
How to best cope with the effects of anesthesia
1. Hydrate well
After anesthesia, the body needs to get rid of the drugs. Drinking water (if your doctor says it’s okay) helps your liver and kidneys do this.
2. Get plenty of rest
Anesthesia can leave you feeling fatigued for several hours or even days. Don’t push yourself too hard: your body needs to recover.
3. Follow all medical instructions
Take prescribed medications, respect schedules and avoid self-medicating. Report any adverse effects.
4. Light food
Start with soft, easy-to-digest meals, especially if you’re feeling nauseous. Avoid heavy or greasy foods at first.
5. Don’t drive or make important decisions
After anesthesia, your reflexes and ability to reason may be impaired. Avoid driving or signing documents for at least 24 hours.
6. Ask for company
It is recommended that someone accompany you after surgery, especially if it is an outpatient surgery. You may need help moving, eating, or communicating.
Anesthesia is a safe and essential process for many medical treatments, but it should not be taken lightly. Understanding how it works in the body and what to do after its application can make all the difference in your recovery. It is always important to talk to the anesthesiologist before the procedure, clarify doubts and follow the instructions to the letter. Your body, like your mind, needs time and care to get back into balance.