What is an anesthetic?
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Piedmont Heart Institute answered:An anesthetic is a drug or other substance that causes a loss of feeling or awareness. Local anesthetics cause a loss of feeling in one small area of the body. Regional anesthetics cause a loss of feeling in a part of the body, such as an arm or leg. General anesthetics cause a loss of feeling and a complete loss of awareness that feels like a very deep sleep.
This answer is based on source information from The National Cancer Institute.
An anesthetic is a drug or other substance that causes a loss of feeling or awareness. Local anesthetics cause a loss of feeling in one small area of the body. Regional anesthetics cause a loss of feeling in a part of the body, such as an arm or... More -
Healthwise answered:An anesthetic is a medicine that helps block pain. It may help a person relax, become sleepy or forgetful, and/or become unconscious for surgery.
Anesthesia specialists use these medicines and close monitoring to help keep people safe and comfortable during surgery and other medical procedures.
There are three main types:
- Local anesthetics numb a small part of the body, such as the nose or mouth. They are given as a shot or they are applied topically.
- Regional anesthetics numb a larger part of the body. They are given as a shot around major nerves or the spinal cord.
- General anesthetics make a person unconscious. They are given as a gas or as a shot directly into the bloodstream (IV, through a vein).
Some topical anesthetics are over-the-counter medicines. These medicines can be used as home treatment for minor injuries.
An anesthetic is a medicine that helps block pain. It may help a person relax, become sleepy or forgetful, and/or become unconscious for surgery. Anesthesia specialists use these medicines and close monitoring to help keep people safe and... More
