What to Know if Your Child Needs a Colonoscopy

The risk of colon cancer among children is extremely low, so a colonoscopy isn't used for that purpose among children. A child with digestive problems, however, might have a colonoscopy to get a more accurate picture of what going on the digestive system so symptoms can be treated appropriately.

Knowing your child will be having a colonoscopy can make you a nervous wreck, but knowing what to expect will help ease your worries so you can help make your child less fearful.

Why a Child Might Need a Colonoscopy

If your child has diarrhea, bloody stool or chronic stomach pain, a colonoscopy provides doctors with an actual picture of the colon and large intestine, which can reveal what is causing the symptoms. The doctor might also collect tiny samples of the tissue in the colon and large intestine to run further tests.

Prepare Your Child Physically

There are numerous guidelines to follow in preparing your child for a colonoscopy. Follow these instructions to the letter because it will ensure that your child's doctor gets the most accurate results, which greatly reduces the risk that your child have to have a repeat procedure.

You'll need to give your child fluids and medication that flushes any stool out of the colon. The amount of fluids and medication depends on the age of your child. Your child will also need to stop eating in the hours leading up the test.

Prepare Your Child Emotionally

Most grown-ups dread getting a colonoscopy, so you can imagine how scary the procedure is for a child. Reassure your child that you'll be close by and that you'll be waiting when the procedure is over. Talk to your child about the medicine that will induce deep sleep so they won't feel anythind during the procedure.

Be upfront and candid, depending on your child's age and maturity, about the tools being used and how they are inserted into the anus and pushed upward to take pictures of the colon. Children who understand exactly what's going to happen are less likely to be scared and nervous.

After the Colonoscopy

Once your child wakes up, the doctor will show you the pictures and talk about what they show. Your child might feel sick after the test, but this usually fades within an hour. If it doesn't, call your child's doctor. Offer fluids shortly after the test, and then begin adding food back into your child's diet when your child is drinking fluids well.

Tell your child that bleeding from the anus is normal for one to two days after the test. This will reduce the alarm associated with seeing blood in their underwear or the toilet. If your child develops a fever, call the doctor right away.

For more tips and suggestions, contact local resources such as Northwest Gastroenterology Associates.

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