Children's pain
Children’s pain (or pediatric pain) can be a significant source of anxiety and heartache for parents, evolving as children grow from infancy and toddlerhood to childhood and early adolescence.
At some point, most children will experience pain - whether from everyday bumps and bruises, earaches, headaches, or chronic conditions like musculoskeletal and joint pain.
Children’s pain or discomfort is sometimes linked to other conditions, such as the flu, common cold, allergies, hay fever, or sinus infections. Find out more below.
Learn more about sinus infections
Learn more about colds
Learn more about hay fever
Learn more about sinus infections
Learn more about colds
Learn more about hay fever
Some types of pain are linked to a child's developmental stage, such as teething pain, tummy pain, and colic in babies, or muscle aches—often referred to as ‘growing pains’—as children grow.
At MediADVICE, our pharmacists are trained in managing children’s pain and are here to provide holistic support for the whole family. Read on to learn more about understanding your child's pain and finding the right solutions.
How to tell if your child is in pain
Identifying pain in children can be challenging and frustrating for parents, especially when a child’s age or developmental stage limits their ability to communicate how they feel, where the pain is, or how severe it is².
However, even if a child cannot fully express their discomfort, certain behaviours may signal that they are in pain.
These may include²:
Favouring one arm or leg over the other
A decrease in physical activity
Changes in appetite or sleep pattern
Avoiding contact with other children
Crankiness, irritability, or unruly behaviour
Nonverbal expressions of pain such as gasping, wincing, or frowning
Physical cues like dull eyes, flushed skin, rapid breathing, or sweating
Do not rely on just the verbal: Ask children to point to their bodies to show where they hurt and how the pain travels through them
Pharmacists play a crucial role in helping parents assess the severity of their child’s pain and providing advice on appropriate treatment options.
How do you treat a child with pain?
As a parent, nothing is more distressing than seeing your child in pain—whether due to injury, illness, or post-operative recovery. This can make the process of administering medication feel overwhelming.
A holistic approach is often the most effective way to manage pain in children, combining medicated treatments with non-medicated strategies such as singing, reading, or other distraction techniques. These methods can help reduce anxiety or fear associated with pain, making it more manageable for your child.
Safe medication use starts with understanding exactly what you are giving. Equally important is ensuring the correct dosage and frequency to effectively manage your child's pain.
Pharmacist Assaad Khalil shares these essential tips for dosing medicine safely in children:
Always read the label first - Check the active (chemical) ingredient to ensure it's appropriate for your child. Keep in mind that the chemical ingredient differs from the brand name, which is chosen by the pharmaceutical company.
Dose according to age and weight - Children’s medication doses are determined by age and weight. If your child is smaller or larger than average for their age, consult your doctor or pharmacist for proper dosing guidance.
Measure accurately using an oral syringe- Use an oral syringe to ensure the correct dosage. If you’re unsure how to measure the liquid, ask your pharmacist to show you where to mark the correct level on the syringe.
Write it down - Accuracy is crucial when administering pain relief medication. Keep a record of the active ingredient, dosage, and time it was given. This is especially helpful if multiple caregivers are involved or if you need to share this information with your doctor or pharmacist.
Non-medicinal strategies to manage children’s pain
Managing children’s pain can be further supported by a variety of simple non-medicinal strategies. These strategies help reduce the fear or distress associated with pain and medication, making the experience more tolerable for your child. Based on your child’s needs and the advice of your pharmacist or healthcare provider, consider using these strategies alongside pain relief medications.
Here are some non-medicinal options you might try:
Diversion or distraction: Use toys, storybooks, music, electronic devices, play, laughter, or anything fun your child enjoys.
Controlled breathing: Encourage deep breathing, blowing bubbles, or gently blowing air to help calm your child.
Comfort touch: Offer comforting gestures such as hugs, stroking, holding hands, massage, or gentle rocking.
At MediADVICE, our pharmacists are trained in managing children’s pain and are here to provide holistic support for the whole family.
Visit or speak to your local MediADVICE pharmacist for guidance on the correct use of medications, as well as other strategies to help relieve pain and inflammation for your child.
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Disclaimers:
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.
Always check with your pharmacist or medical professional before starting any new medications or supplements, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are taking any medications currently, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or researching therapies suitable for infants or children.
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