Editing General anaesthetic (section)

== Physiological side effects ==
Aside from the clinically advantageous effects of general anesthetics, there are a number of other physiological consequences mediated by this class of drug. Notably, a reduction in blood pressure can be facilitated by a variety of mechanisms, including reduced cardiac contractility and dilation of the vasculature. This drop in blood pressure may activate a reflexive increase in heart rate, due to a [[Baroreceptor reflex|baroreceptor-mediated feedback mechanism]]. Some anesthetics, however, disrupt this reflex.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":25" />

Patients under general anesthesia are at greater risk of developing [[hypothermia]], as the aforementioned [[vasodilation]] increases the heat lost via peripheral blood flow. By and large, these drugs reduce the internal body temperature threshold at which autonomic [[Thermoregulation|thermoregulatory]] mechanisms are triggered in response to cold. (On the other hand, the threshold at which thermoregulatory mechanisms are triggered in response to heat is typically increased.)<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Bindra|first1=Ashish|last2=Bindu|first2=Barkha|last3=Rath|first3=Girija|date=2017-07-01|title=Temperature management under general anesthesia: Compulsion or option|url=http://www.joacp.org/text.asp?2017/33/3/306/214311|journal=Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology|language=en|volume=33|issue=3|pages=306–316|doi=10.4103/joacp.joacp_334_16|pmid=29109627|pmc=5672515 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Anesthetics typically affect respiration. Inhalational anesthetics elicit [[Bronchodilator|bronchodilation]], an increase in respiratory rate, and reduced [[tidal volume]]. The net effect is decreased respiration, which must be managed by healthcare providers, while the patient is under general anesthesia.<ref name=":25" /> The reflexes that function to alleviate airway obstructions are also dampened (e.g. gag and cough). Compounded with a reduction in [[lower esophageal sphincter]] tone, which increases the frequency of regurgitation, patients are especially prone to [[asphyxiation]] while under general anesthesia. Healthcare providers closely monitor individuals under general anesthesia and utilize a number of devices, such as an [[endotracheal tube]], to ensure patient safety.<ref name=":16" />

General anesthetics also affect the [[chemoreceptor trigger zone]] and [[Area postrema|brainstem vomiting center]], eliciting nausea and vomiting following treatment.<ref name=":16" />