Pediatric Anesthesia: a Essential Knowledge Manual for Parents

During the child’s growing journey, he may have to face anesthesia because of certain diseases or operations. At this time, parents are inevitably full of doubts: What kind of impact will children’s anesthesia have on their children’s growth? Don’t worry, now let’s take a closer look at children’s anesthesia, so that parents can have a good idea. 1. Understanding children’s anesthesia Children’s anesthesia, simply speaking, is to make children lose pain, consciousness or other sensations by means of drugs or other means when they undergo surgery or specific medical operations, so as to ensure that the operation or operation can be carried out smoothly. Anesthesia for children is mainly divided into general anesthesia, local anesthesia and regional anesthesia. 2. Why is anesthesia necessary for children? When a child needs surgery, anesthesia allows the child to perform the operation in a painless state. In this way, it can not only avoid the psychological trauma caused by the pain and fear during the operation, but also keep the child’s body quiet and stable, which is convenient for the doctor to operate. In some medical procedures, such as MRI, children may not be able to cooperate. At this time, anesthesia can ensure that the child can complete the examination in a safe state. In addition, for children with serious diseases, anesthesia can also help maintain their respiratory and circulatory functions and protect their lives. 3. What is the impact of anesthesia on children’s growth? Short-term effects on postoperative awakening children are usually in a coma or lethargy for a period of time after anesthesia, which is a normal postoperative reaction. Under normal circumstances, the child will gradually wake up within a few hours to a day. In the process of awakening, the child may have nausea, vomiting, headache and other discomfort symptoms, but these symptoms usually disappear gradually within a few days. Studies have shown that children may suffer from short-term cognitive decline, such as memory loss and inattention, after receiving general anesthesia. However, this effect is usually temporary, and over time, the child’s cognitive function will slowly return to normal. Long-term effects on nervous system development At present, there is controversy about the long-term effects of anesthesia on nervous system development in children. Some studies suggest that children who receive general anesthesia many times in their early years may increase the risk of neurological developmental abnormalities, such as learning disabilities and behavioral problems. However, some studies have pointed out that this risk is actually very low, and the relationship with anesthesia itself is not very clear. Generally speaking, children’s anesthesia has little effect on their growth and development. Anesthetic drugs will be gradually metabolized and excreted in the child’s body, and generally will not cause long-term adverse effects on the child’s body. However, if the child has serious complications during surgery or anesthesia, such as infection, bleeding and so on, it may have a certain impact on growth and development. 4. How to reduce the risk of anesthesia in children? Doctors will choose the appropriate anesthesia method according to the specific situation of the child, so as to reduce the risk of anesthesia as much as possible. For example, for some minor operations or operations that can be completed by local anesthesia, local anesthesia or regional anesthesia will be preferred. Choosing experienced anesthesiologists and hospitals experienced anesthesiologists and hospitals can better ensure the safety of children. When choosing hospitals and doctors, parents can learn about their professional background, experience and reputation. Preoperative preparation and postoperative care parents and children should be fully prepared before surgery, such as fasting, water deprivation and so on. Nursing should be carried out according to the doctor’s requirements after operation, and the child’s vital signs, diet and activities should be closely observed. 5. How should parents treat children’s anesthesia correctly? Avoid excessive worry While there is a risk associated with pediatric anesthesia, this risk is usually very low. Parents should not be overly anxious and trust the doctor’s professional judgment and handling ability. Actively cooperate with doctors when children need anesthesia, parents should actively cooperate with doctors to provide detailed medical history and physical condition of children. At the same time, preoperative preparation and postoperative care should be done in strict accordance with the doctor’s requirements. Pay close attention to the child’s postoperative recovery, the child may have some discomfort symptoms after anesthesia, parents should pay close attention to the child’s postoperative recovery, once found abnormal, to report to the doctor in time. Pediatric anesthesia plays an important role in ensuring the safety of children’s surgery and the smooth operation of medical treatment. Although there is some risk, the risk is usually very low. Parents need not worry too much, they should believe in doctors, actively cooperate with doctors, and work together to support a blue sky for the healthy growth of children.