What Does an Anesthesiologist Do?

Overview

An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in blocking pain. They do this with drugs called "anesthetics." These drugs block the pain of childbirth. They can put you into a deep sleep for surgery. And they can help you manage pain from injury and chronic conditions.

Evaluating you

Because of their specialized nature, anesthetics must be used with care. So your anesthesiologist asks you a lot of questions. They want to know the basics, like how much you weigh and what you've had to eat and drink. They may check your heart and lungs. They ask about any issues you've had with drugs in the past. Your anesthesiologist uses all of this info to find the type of drug to give you. They decide how much is safe.

Keeping you safe

After they give you a pain-blocking drug, the anesthesiologist watches you closely. They monitor your vital signs during surgery. They keep you pain free during treatment. They keep you comfortable as you recover.

Conclusion

Your anesthesiologist is a key part of your care team. For more info about anesthesia, talk to your doctor.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.