What is sedation?
Sedation is the use of medicine to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during a procedure. Sometimes it's used to help with pain.
Sedation may be used with an injection to numb the area or with other medicine to reduce pain. It's often used in procedures like a colonoscopy or a biopsy. It also can be used in many surgeries. Examples include knee surgery and hernia repair.
You may be awake and able to talk with your care team. Or you may fall asleep. You might remember little, if anything, of the procedure or surgery.
How is sedation done?
Sedation is usually given in a vein in the arm (intravenously, or I.V.).
It is often used with local or regional anesthesia. The local type numbs a small part of the body. The regional type blocks pain to a larger area of the body.
While you are sedated, a doctor or nurse will watch you closely. They'll make sure you stay safe and comfortable. In some cases, an anesthesia professional may be there during the procedure to help keep you safe. This is often called monitored anesthesia care (MAC).
After sedation: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have nausea or vomiting that gets worse or won't stop.
- You have a fever.
- You have a new or worse headache.
- The medicine is not wearing off and you can't think clearly.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
How do you prepare when your child is getting sedation?
You'll get instructions to help you prepare for your child's sedation. They'll tell you when your child needs to stop eating, drinking, or breastfeeding before sedation. If your child takes medicine, you'll be told what they can or can't take. Follow all the instructions carefully.
Talk to your child in advance about the test, procedure, or surgery they're having. It can be helpful to explain where they will be and what they might see, hear, or feel.
Make sure your child will have plenty of quiet time at home to recover.
How can you care for your child after they've had sedation?
- Have your child rest when they feel tired. A baby may sleep longer between feedings. Getting enough sleep will help your child recover.
- For the first few hours after sedation, follow your doctor's instructions about what your child can eat or drink. For a baby, your doctor will tell you if you need to change anything about your breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- After a few hours, allow your child to eat and drink a normal diet, unless your doctor has given you special instructions. If your child's stomach is upset, try clear liquids and foods that are low in fat and fiber. These include applesauce, baked chicken, crackers, and yogurt. If your baby has started to eat solid foods, your doctor will tell you what and when to feed your baby after sedation.
- Have your child rest for at least 24 hours. This includes not doing schoolwork. It takes time for the medicine effects to completely wear off.
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