A method used to suppress pain in children undergoing a surgical operation. Anesthesia in children carries a greater risk than it does in adults. Since children have a higher metabolism than adults and require more oxygen, they suffer brain damage more quickly if a complication during anesthesia stops their breathing. The heart in a child lacks the flexibility of an adult heart and must work faster when required to pump more blood; this also increases the demand for oxygen. The respiratory muscles in children tire more easily, making breathing difficult when they are fatigued or stressed. The airway in children is weaker than in adults and more likely to collapse. Children often find hospital settings frightening, are extremely anxious about surgical procedures, and may struggle because of fear.