does anesthesia cause a fever even hours after surgery?

Question

My toddler underwent general anesthesia today and had extensive dental work.....said he could run a fever but should not be over 101.....does this sound normal to run a fever....just wondering since he has been running one since we got home about 4 hours ago...he was under anesthesia for 4 hours

Answer 1

yeah..it usually lasts for a while.. he should be alright by tomorrow

Answer 2

Wow. Was this a trauma surgery? That's a long time to be under for anybody, especially a toddler. The anesthesia it's self does not cause a fever, but it is normal to have a low grade fever from the surgery. That long being under could compromise the immune system which would make you more prone to infection, which is the cause of the fever. If it stays under 101 for a day or two, he's probably OK as long as it starts to improve after the third day. If it goes to 103, call the doc, if it goes to 104, call the doc and take him to the emergency room. I can't imagine what type of 4 hour dental work a toddler could have unless it was trauma or cleft repair, normally done by a plastic surgeon. good luck and keep a close eye on that temp. peace

Answer 3

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RE:
does anesthesia cause a fever even hours after surgery?
My toddler underwent general anesthesia today and had extensive dental work.....said he could run a fever but should not be over 101.....does this sound normal to run a fever....just wondering since he has been running one since we got home about 4 hours ago...he was under anesthesia for 4 hours

Answer 4

Its not unusual to run a fever after surgery. The reason for this is when the body is in 1 position for a very long time, the fluid collects in the lungs and since your not coughing or moving about, it causes the temperature to go up. Thats why when people roll out of the OR, they are given incentive spirometers and encouraged to deep breathe and get up to walk.
Dont mean to sound like a know it all, but I think I would try and give him some tylenol and see if that works.
I am a nurse, but not with little kids. I do know you should not give a child aspirin d/t Reyes syndrome and bleeding. I still say Tylenol (acetaminophen) is best.

Answer 5

Side effects

Side effects of regional or local anesthetics vary depending on the type of anesthetic used and the way it is administered. Anyone who has unusual symptoms following the use of an anesthetic should get in touch with his or her doctor immediately.

There is a small risk of developing a severe headache called a spinal headache following a spinal or epidural block. This headache is severe when the patient is upright and hardly felt when the patient lies down. Though rare, it can occur and can be treated by performing a blood patch, in which a small amount of the patient's own blood is injected into the area in the back where the anesthetic was injected. The blood clots and closes up any area that may have been leaking spinal fluid. Relief is almost immediate. Finally, blood clots or abscess can form in the back, but these are also readily treatable and so pose little risk.

A physician should be notified immediately if any of these symptoms occur:

large swellings that look like hives on the skin, in the mouth, or in the throat
severe headache
blurred or double vision
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
confusion
anxiety, excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
convulsions (seizures)
feeling hot, cold, or numb
ringing or buzzing in the ears
shivering or trembling
sweating
pale skin
slow or irregular heartbeat
breathing problems
nusual weakness or tiredness

Answer 6

Yes, after my hernia operation (general anesthesia) I had a fever. They gave me Tylenol and kept me at the hospital an extra night. If you are worried, get in touch with the doctor.

Answer 7

a toddler will often run a low temp in response to anesthesia, it is a common reaction for them because of their immature metabolism. Just give him some baby aspirin if he does.
Over 101, he has an infection and needs to be seen quickly due to the location, so close to the brain and all.

Answer 8

ANY SURGERY, EVEN DENTAL SURGERY IS TRAUMATIC. THIS FEVER IS NOT SOLELY BECAUSE OF BEING GIVEN ANESTHETIC, BUT ALSO DUE TO THE STRESS OF HAVING THE SURGERY IN THE FIRST PLACE.
KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON YOUR LITTLE ONE AND IF THE FEVER GETS WORSE GET HIM TO THE PHYSICIAN A.S.A.P.

Answer 9

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