Anaesthesia characteristics of children and the elderly

The children and the elderly who have anaesthesia characteristics, and the elderly, are the two groups of current hospital focus that are more sensitive to the substance of drugs and surgical stimulation than to the average adult, so that before anaesthesia is performed, the impact and care are understood and the probability of adverse reactions is minimized. The effect of anaesthesia on children is, first and foremost, that their bodies and organs are still in the development stage and that there is a significant difference in their physiological function from that of adults. For example, children ‘ s liver and kidney functions are not yet fully developed and their metabolic and excretion capacity for narcotic drugs is relatively weak, making them more vulnerable to drug residues. Second, children ‘ s nervous system is also at a critical stage of development, and a small probability of anaesthesia may have potential long-term effects on their nervous system. While most children are able to develop normally after being subjected to scientific anaesthesia, they are at higher cognitive and behavioural risk for children who have been subject to repeated anaesthesia or chronic ingestion. Finally, surgery and anesthesia can cause emotional problems for children, such as fear, anxiety, etc. Parents and health-care providers therefore need to work together before and after surgery and to provide adequate psychological support and accommodation to the sick. Where particular attention is needed: in order to avoid adverse consequences, the health status of children, the history of allergies and the history of family genetic diseases should be identified before the operation. Families should be informed in advance about the process of anaesthesia and the possible risks in order to reduce excessive anxiety and to cooperate actively with an anaesthetologist. In addition, children should be informed about the surgical and anaesthesia process in a live manner, in accordance with their age and mental state, by telling stories and making games. During the procedure, an anesthetists strictly control the dose and time of use of an narcotic drug, choosing a drug that has less physical impact on the child. At the same time, vital signs, including breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, etc., are closely monitored to ensure the safety of children. After the surgery, parents should be concerned about the children ‘ s awakening and the pain or suffering. Parents are advised to prepare their children ‘ s daily favorite toys and clothing, to give them a sense of security and to help them return to normal as soon as possible. The effect of anaesthesia on older persons increases with age, the physical functioning of older persons diminishes, the heart, lungs, liver and kidney function diminishes, and the tolerance for anaesthesia is reduced, which may lead to slower metabolism and removal of anaesthesia in the body, thus increasing the risk of drug accumulation and adverse reactions. Older persons often suffer from a number of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, which increases the risk of anaesthesia and may affect the choice of anesthetists on anaesthesia and medication. Some of the elderly suffer from declining cognitive functions, such as Alzheimer ‘ s disease, and anaesthesia can further exacerbate cognitive disorders, affecting post-operative recovery and quality of life. Areas requiring special attention: Pre-operative older persons are required to conduct comprehensive health assessments, including CPR, liver and kidney functions, blood sugar, blood resin, etc., and to inform the drug being taken to enable an anesthesiologist to assess its effects on anaesthesia. In addition, patients and their families should be informed in advance of the risk of anaesthesia and possible complications. During the procedure, the anesthesiologist selects the appropriate anaesthesia and medications, taking into account the physical condition and surgical needs of the elderly, and closely monitors changes in vital signs and the internal environment and adjusts the anaesthesia programme in a timely manner. After the operation, in order to avoid cardiovascular complications caused by pain, families should closely observe changes in the consciousness, breathing and cognitive status of older persons and, as soon as possible, get out of bed and undergo rehabilitation training to facilitate the recovery of physical functions. As can be seen from the above, children and older persons have specific effects and concerns with regard to anaesthesia, and it is recommended that both patients and their families maintain a good mental attitude and cooperate actively with the examination and treatment in order to survive the anaesthesia period.