What is Anesthesia?
Anesthesia is the administration of medication to allow medical procedures to be done without pain, and in some cases, without the patient being aware during the procedure. There are a variety of types of anesthesia, as well as several different medical professions that are able to give anesthesia.Anesthesia is used in a wide range of procedures, from highly invasive surgeries, such as open heart surgery, to more minor procedures, such as having a tooth extracted.
The Types of Anesthesia
There are four types of anesthesia:Anesthesia Providers
Learn more about the medical professionals who are able to provide anesthesia, including doctors, nurses, dentists and anesthesiologist’s assistants. The level of training varies between different types of providers, so make sure you know who will be administering your anesthesia.Questions to Ask Your Anesthesia Provider
Before you decide on whether or not to have anesthesia, or what type of anesthesia you prefer to get, find out the answers to key questions so you can have the safest possible procedure.
Things to Tell Your Anesthesia Provider
Make sure your anesthesia provider is well-informed about your health, medications and other issues. There are certain risks that can be avoided with an open conversation with prior to a procedure.
The Risks of Anesthesia
Just as no surgery is risk-free, no anesthesia is 100% safe either. Learn about the risks of anesthesia and the conditions that increase your risk so you can make an educated decision about your care.Sources:
Patient Education FAQ, American Society of Anesthesiologists
