Endoscopy is a routine surgery in as much as it may instill anxiety on the parents more so when it is their child who needs it done. Parents tend to be anxious and have many queries. Having some understanding in advance helps to ameliorate these queries.
What is the procedure of upper endoscopy?
An Upper Endoscopy Procedure is a procedure wherein the physician performs an examination of a child’s intestine. It involves swallowing a tube that doctors insert into the throat, from which cameras are attached to the end. An endoscope is a device that is placed inside the mouth and goes inside the abdominal cavity. It allows the clinician to visualize the pharynx, the abdominal cavity and some parts of the nearest small intestine.
What is the reason for performing endoscopy on a Child?
You would think that endoscopies in children are something that is very rare which is not the case. Children many times are referred to these centers after an urgent care visit. This is done for the likes of chronic tummy aches, acid inflow, or difficulties in swallowing may make a doctor suggest this examination.
Preparing Your Kid for Endoscopy
Preparing a child for an upper endoscopy procedure is of utmost importance. Avoid stressing the child by explaining the scope in the best and simplest way possible. It is not necessary to explain in every detail, but providing a rough idea will reduce anxiety.
Advise them that such a feeling of drowsiness stems from the special medicine given to them in order to calm their nerves. Tell them you will be present and waiting for them when they wake up. The pediatric urgent care centers also contain welcoming rooms that tend to the child’s needs and make the procedure easier.
What Happens During the Procedure?
As such, your child will receive a sedative before the procedure in order to relax them further. The performance of the procedure has also been shown to be quite short between 15 and 30 minutes or so. The doctor will insert an endoscope through the child’s mouth, and gently push it down into the child’s belly.
What Children’ s Urgent Care Can Do
Pediatric urgent care centers play a significant role in the process. When parents notice the onset of symptoms, these are usually the first offices they seek. These centers can provide care that is developmentally appropriate and considers the child’s age.
From the start of consultations to the upper endoscopy procedure recommendations, pediatric urgent care centers are there to journey on with you and your child through it all.
Help Your Child Get Better
Generally, the recovery phase after a pediatric upper endoscopy is pretty simple. The next day most of the children can go back to their usual activities. It is necessary to observe the recommendations given by the doctor concerning food and drink, especially in the first few hours after the procedure.
When to Seek Help
However, if your child develops any severe pain, persistent vomiting or is unable to swallow anything right after this procedure, make a call to your pediatric urgent care center right away. As a rule, this is a common concern, it is best to doctor without fear.
Once again though, endoscopy procedures in particular in children are safe and effective. Understanding the overall picture helps both you and your child to get less anxious during the procedure.