(HealthDay News) -- Before you're given anesthesia, it's important to speak with your anesthesiologist to reduce your risk of complications.

Prior to a surgical procedure, the University of Virginia Health Center says your anesthesiologist needs to know about:

• Any previous allergic reaction to any type of anesthesia, in as much detail as possible.
• Any other known allergies -- including to both food and drugs.
• Any herbal supplements you have been taking.
• Any prescription, over-the-counter medications, or street drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) that you have taken recently.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption habits.