Are there specific measures to administer anesthesia in children?
March 9, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Babette Köhler
Dear doctor,
My name is Marie Köhler and I have a question regarding anesthesia in children. My daughter Linnea is scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia soon, and I am very worried about her. I wonder if there are specific measures to make anesthesia in children safer and gentler.
Linnea is only five years old and has never received anesthesia before. She is very anxious and sensitive, so I am concerned about potential risks and side effects. I have also heard that children may require a different dosage of anesthesia drugs than adults due to their smaller size and weight. Is that true?
I would like to learn more about the preparation measures for anesthesia in children. Are there specific tests that need to be done before the surgery? What steps are taken to ensure that the anesthesia is well tolerated and no complications occur?
I am also interested in the options to make the recovery phase after anesthesia more comfortable for my child. Are there specific measures to reduce nausea or dizziness? How long does it usually take for children to fully wake up and feel normal after anesthesia?
I would greatly appreciate your expert advice and hope that you can help me. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Marie Köhler
Dear Mrs. Köhler,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding anesthesia in children. I can understand your concerns about your daughter Linnea, as it is always a worrying situation when a child has to undergo surgery under general anesthesia. It is important that parents are well informed and know what specific measures can be taken to make anesthesia in children safer and gentler.
First of all, it is true that children require a different dosage of anesthesia drugs than adults due to their smaller size and weight. Children also react differently to anesthesia drugs than adults, so it is important that the dosage is adjusted accordingly. Typically, lower doses are used in children to minimize the risk of side effects.
Before the operation, special examinations are usually performed to ensure that your child can tolerate the anesthesia well. These typically include blood tests, a physical examination, and possibly other specific tests depending on the type of surgery. It is important that your child is fasting before the anesthesia is administered to reduce the risk of complications.
To make the recovery phase after anesthesia more comfortable, various measures can be taken. This includes administering medication for nausea and dizziness, proper positioning of the child to reduce discomfort, and providing adequate fluids and food once your child is able. The duration of the recovery phase may vary from child to child, but usually children are fully awake and feeling normal within a few hours after the operation.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions you may have. It is important that you discuss all your concerns and questions with the treating anesthesiologist to ensure that the anesthesia for your daughter is as safe and gentle as possible.
Sincerely,
Babette Köhler
