Potential bodily harm of anaesthesia in old age

The potential harm to the body from an anaesthesia in old age increases with age, and the functioning of the body diminishes, and older persons may be more at risk than younger patients in receiving anaesthesia. Although modern narcotic techniques and the safety of drugs have increased significantly, the potential harm of anaesthesia to older patients requires special attention. The following are the major potential physical injuries that may have been caused by the anaesthesia of the elderly:1. The influence of cognitive functiona. Post-operative cognitive impairment: Post-operative cognitive impairment (POCD) is a common post-operative complication that manifests itself in memory loss, low concentration and slow thinking. Older persons are more sensitive to narcotic drugs because of the natural decline in brain function and may experience a longer period of cognitive decline after surgery. This situation may have an impact on daily life and requires close monitoring and long-term follow-up.Long-term effects: Some studies suggest that older patients may have more significant long-term cognitive effects after repeated or long-term anesthesia. Thus, the choice of anaesthesia programme should minimize the damage to cognitive functions.2. Risks of the cardiovascular systema. Cardiovascular events: Cardiovascular systems of older patients are generally fragile and may cause cardiovascular events such as cardiac disorders, low blood pressure or cardiac arrest during anaesthesia. In particular, during prolonged operations, narcotic drugs may impose an additional burden on the cardiovascular system. Thus, a detailed assessment of the state of the heart ‘ s health and an appropriate anaesthesia plan are required prior to the operation.b. Blood pressure fluctuations: Anaesthesia can lead to sharp fluctuations in blood pressure, and older patients may cause dizziness, dizziness or other complications due to changes in blood pressure. This requires an anesthesiologist to continuously monitor blood pressure during anaesthesia and to adjust drugs and treatment programmes in a timely manner.Respiratory challengea. Respiratory inhibition: The respiratory function of older patients is usually weak, and anaesthesia can cause respiratory inhibition, leading to a decrease in haemooxin levels. Intra- and post-operative respiratory monitoring is important to ensure that the respiratory function is stable and to prevent the occurrence of hypooxyemia or respiratory failure.b. Respiratory complications: Intubation during anaesthesia may result in respiratory damage or infection. Respiratory tracts for older patients are sensitive and may be more susceptible to associated complications, requiring special attention and management.4. Effects of liver and kidney functiona. Drug metabolic and excretion: The liver and kidney functions of older patients are generally weak, which affects the metabolic and excretion rate of narcotic drugs. The long stay in the body may increase the risk of side effects, such as poisoning or overdose. Therefore, the adjustment of drug doses and individualized drug strategies are important.b. Accumulation of drugs: As a result of a reduction in liver and kidney function, anaesthesia may accumulate in the body, causing an adverse reaction or prolonging anaesthesia. The monitoring of liver and kidney functions and the adjustment of drug doses to the patient ‘ s specific circumstances help to reduce the risks associated with drug accumulation.5. Immunisation system responsea. Immunization function decline: As age increases, immune system functionality usually diminishes. Older patients are more sensitive to post-operative infections and may be at increased risk of infection after anaesthesia. Special attention needs to be paid to the prevention and treatment of infection after surgery.b. Inflammatory response: Anesthesia and surgery may cause a general inflammation response, which may be more pronounced among older patients and have a negative impact on recovery. Effective post-operative care and anti-inflammatory treatment are key.6. Post-operative recovery challengesa. Recovery slow: Post-operative recovery of older patients is usually slower than that of younger patients and may take longer to return to normal functioning. Post-operative physical weakness and slower recovery increase the risk of complications, including the healing of wounds and muscle atrophy resulting from prolonged bed.b. Pain management: Old-age patients ‘ perception of pain may be different from that of young people and post-aesthetic pain management may be more complex. Precise pain assessment and management are required to reduce the impact of post-operative pain on recovery.7. Drug side effectsa. Drug interactions: Older patients usually need to take multiple drugs at the same time, which may lead to the interaction of narcotic drugs with other drugs and increase the risk of side effects. Detailed information about the patient ‘ s medical history is required prior to the operation in order to avoid adverse reactions between drugs.(b) Allergies: The reaction of older patients to allergies may be more pronounced, and therefore a careful inquiry into the history of allergies and the choice of safe anesthesia before anaesthesia.Potential risks to older patients during anaesthesia include cognitive effects, cardiovascular system problems, respiratory challenges, damage to the liver and kidney function, immune system response, slow post-operative recovery and drug side effects. These risks can be effectively reduced through sophisticated pre-operative assessment, individualized anaesthesia programmes, rigorous post-operative monitoring and careful post-operative care to ensure the safety of elderly patients. Anesthesia teams need to be fully aware of the health status of elderly patients and take appropriate measures to optimize the effects of anaesthesia and promote a smooth post-operative recovery.