What is local anesthesia? And what are its uses? What are the risks and side effects it causes? We will learn about all these details and more through this article.
Local anesthesia
If you want to learn more about local anesthesia, follow the article to the end
Local anesthesia: definition
Local anesthesia refers to an anesthesia drug that is used to numb a small area of the body temporarily, and its effect is not similar to that of general anesthesia because it does not lead to complete sleep, but rather leads to a lack of pain in the area in which it is used only.
Local anesthesia works by preventing the nerves in the area to be anesthetized from sending pain signals to the brain, and it can be used with a sedative to promote a sense of relaxation.
Local anesthesia: types
There are two basic types of local anesthesia based on the method of use, and they are as follows:
1. Anesthesia by topical application
This type of anesthesia is applied locally directly to the skin or to the mucous membranes located inside the nose, throat, or mouth, and it can also be placed on the surface of the eye, and this type comes in several forms, such as: liquid, cream, gel, spray, And they can be combined to get a greater effect.
Procedures in which local anesthesia is used include
Procedures requiring acupuncture.
Applying or removing sutures.
laser treatments.
catheterization
endoscopy.
Cataract surgery (cataracts).
Over-the-counter local anesthetics, such as benzocaine, can be used to relieve the following pain:
open wounds.
Hemorrhoids.
bedbug bites
Ulcers of the teeth, mouth, and gums.
mild burns
Poison ivy rash.
sore throat.
2. Injectable anesthesia
This type of local anesthesia helps numb the area faster and more effectively than the previous type, and it can be used in the following procedures:
Use of a pacemaker.
Dental operations such as root canal.
Removal of deep wart or moles.
skin biopsy.
Bone marrow biopsy.
Lumbar puncture.
Local anesthesia: uses
Several factors are taken into account to determine whether the case requires local or general anesthesia, and local anesthesia is used in the following cases:
Simple procedures that do not require general anesthesia.
Quick procedures in which the patient will not have to stay overnight.
Procedures that will not require muscle relaxation or the patient to be completely unconscious.
Local anesthesia: preparation before the procedure
Some basic precautions should be taken into consideration before local anesthesia, such as:
Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before anesthesia.
Fasting from food and drink for a certain period before the procedure.
Getting rid of jewelry and not wearing make-up if the procedure is applied to the face.
Local anesthesia: how is it used?
Usually, an anesthesiologist performs anesthesia and monitors the patient''s condition in terms of breathing, heart rate, blood circulation and other vital processes before, during and after the procedure. As for simple procedures that do not require continuous monitoring, there is no need for an anesthesiologist, as they are performed by the doctor supervising the case. .
An anesthetic drug is placed on the area to which the procedure will be applied, and after a few minutes the area will be completely numb, and if the patient still feels the area, the doctor will give him more anesthesia.
Local anesthesia: risks and side effects
Local anesthesia is a safe procedure that rarely causes serious problems, and may cause the following side effects:
Feeling some pain when applying it as an injection.
A tingling sensation when it wears off.
Minor soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site.
Headache and dizziness.
muscle twitching
Blurred vision.
Heart attacks and strokes are rare.
