Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 11/24/2006

Question
hi thanks...im actually askin because im to undergo a procedure soon and it will be my first time under anaesthetic..i was told that sumtimes u can experience adverse reactions to anaesthetics they use so im curious as to wot these range of drugs are which precipitate these reactions.
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Some patients can experience adverse reactions when being anaesthetised..what types of anaphylactic reactions can sum1 experience?.
-----Answer-----
Hi there
Not sure why you are asking this question, I would need more information as this is a large area to cover.
Basically there are 2 types of reactions we see. Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactoid reactions.
Anaphylaxis is the bodies immune response causing a problem due to being sensitised to the drug being given.
Anaphylacytoid reactions are a direct effect of the drug on various parts of the patient but mainly on what are called Mast Cells causing the release of histamine. This causes a reaction that looks like anaphylaxis and hence the name.
I hope that is of some help.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson

Answer
Hi Jay
That is helpful, now I understand. The most important thing is to understand is that these reactions are extremely rare. Secondly we are trained to manage these reactions if they do occur and so minimise any risk you are exposed to.
'Adverse Reactions' covers so many things from discomfort in your arm as the drug is injected through to the situation you were asking about anaphylaxis. So it is a huge area of interest to anaesthetists but one that does not effect most of our patients. I can only reassure you that you are extremely unlikely to have any problem.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson