What is local anesthesia? 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 until the end
Local anesthesia: definition
Local anesthesia refers to an anesthetic drug that is used to temporarily numb a small area of the body, and its effect is not similar to that of general anesthesia because it does not lead to complete sleep, but rather leads to the absence of feeling 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 enhance the feeling 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 inside the nose, throat, or mouth. It can also be placed on the surface of the eye. This type comes in several forms, such as: liquid, cream, gel, spray, They can be combined to obtain greater effect.
Procedures in which local anesthesia is used include
Procedures that require acupuncture.
Apply or remove stitches.
Laser treatments.
Catheterization.
Endoscopy.
Cataract surgery.
Local anesthetics that do not require a prescription, such as Benzocaine, can be used to relieve the following pain:
Open wounds.
Hemorrhoids.
Bedbug bites.
Ulcers of 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 procedures such as root canal.
Deep wart or mole removal.
Skin biopsy.
Bone marrow biopsy.
Lumbar puncture.
Local anesthesia: uses
Several factors are taken into consideration 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.
Fast procedures in which the patient will not have to stay overnight.
Procedures that will not require the muscles to be relaxed or for the patient to be completely unconscious.
Local anesthesia: preparation before the procedure
Some basic precautions must be taken into account 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.
Get rid of jewelry and do not wear makeup if the procedure is applied to the face.
Local anesthesia: how is it used?
Usually, the 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 carried out by the doctor supervising the case. .
The anesthetic medicine 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 anesthetic.
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 its effect wears off.
Minor soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site.
Headache and dizziness.
Muscle twitching.
Blurred vision.
Heart attacks and strokes in rare cases.
