By Dr. Rhaiannon Kent, Town Center Pediatrics

Many children can benefit from being sedated during certain tests and procedures.

Sedation can help a child remain still, especially during longer procedures that may take one to three hours. Sedation also helps older children overcome the anxiety or claustrophobia they may experience during a procedure. Sedation can also alleviate pain and help a child relax.

Although sedation is very safe, it does carry some level of risk. At CHKD, our medical staff carefully considers each child’s situation. Sedation is appropriate when the risks associated with not performing a procedure outweigh any risk of having sedation.

Our highly trained nurses and physicians work with patients and families to ensure safety during sedation. We use state-of-the-art monitoring techniques and medications that have a long-standing record of safe use.

Parents can help lower the likelihood of complications from sedation by following careful instructions given to them by our sedation team.

It’s imperative that children undergoing sedation do not eat or drink for a set amount of time – determined by medical staff – before the procedure. Eating or drinking, even small amounts, can cause stomach contents to rise up into the lungs, which may lead to serious breathing issues.

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About CHKD Medical Group

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.