What is a common side effect of using general anesthesia?

Nausea and vomiting are well-documented side effects of general anesthesia, often referred to as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). These symptoms can occur due to the effects of anesthetic agents on the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Certain anesthetics can stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain, leading to a sensation of nausea. Additionally, surgery itself can provoke nausea as a stress response.

The incidence of nausea and vomiting varies based on factors such as the type of surgery performed, the anesthetic agents used, and the patient's individual risk factors, including their history of motion sickness or previous experiences with anesthesia. Thus, managing PONV is an essential part of postoperative care, and various prophylactic measures are often implemented.

While the other options may present certain concerns, they are not as universally recognized as common side effects associated with general anesthesia. Increased appetite, pain at the injection site, and dry mouth may occur in specific contexts or related to other factors but do not broadly represent the typical adverse effects resulting from general anesthetic administration.