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A  SERIOUS  SYMPTOM? 

Aches and pains usually come and go quickly, but are sometimes a sign of a more serious condition. However, it can be difficult for parents to know if a child's tummy ache, for example, is serious.

 

• A young child may have difficulty describing the pain and where it hurts.
• It is important to look for other signs and symptoms and, if you're concerned, you should take your child to a doctor to be properly examined.
• Children often say they have a tummy ache when they are worried about something, such as going to school, or are generally seeking attention. 

When a child complains of a tummy ache, it can be a sign of something more serious, from a kidney infection to an underlying anxiety.

 

When to call the doctor

 

Young babies under four months should always be seen by a doctor when they are unwell. If the problem persists or worsens in older children, or any of these symptoms are shown, call your doctor:

 

• A high temperature- over 37.5’C (l00 F) for a prolonged period.
• Vomiting and nausea
• An unexplained rash
• Floppiness or lethargy
• Complaining of a severe sharp pain
• Persistent Diarhoea
• Persistent constipation
• Blood in the stool
• Blood in the urine
• A distended stomach
• Pain when urinating
• A tender area in the abdomen that becomes worse on coughing or moving
• A dislike of bright lights and loud noise. 

Basic home nursing

 

When children have minor aches and pains, loving care and attention is sometimes just as effective as medication.

 

Pay close attention to what your child is saying - or trying to say - to find out about the pain. Give reassurance that all is well and try cuddling up to your child with a hot-water bottle and his favourite toy. 

Give plenty to drink and use oral rehydration sachets if your child has diarrhoea or has been sick. 

Give paracetamol as a painkiller and to lower temperature. 

Encourage your child to open his bowels if you suspect constipation - it may help to give him fresh fruit juice to drink. 

If the pain seems vague and you suspect it may be caused by an underlying anxiety, try to discover the cause and give reassurance. 

Painkillers for children

 

There are guidelines about the use of painkillers.

Never give a baby under six months any medicines unless on the advice of your doctor or health visitor.

Do not give children under 12 aspirin or any medicine that contains them. These can cause Reye's syndrome, which can lead to liver failure. Give junior paracetamol or ibuprofen instead and always read the label carefully.

No carer can give your child any medication without your permission, so ensure that you can always be contacted or leave clear instructions.

Likewise, you must not give medication to another child without parental permission.

If your child's condition does not improve after 24 hours, or worsens, call a doctor and say what medicine has been given and in what dosage. 

Stomach ache

 

Stomach ache is a very common condition in babies and young children

 

Colic: this common condition is caused by wind trapped in the intestines. An attack can be eased by infant colic drops or gripe water.

 

Constipation: one cause of stomach aches in young children is constipation. This may be due to inadequate fluids.

 

Diarrhoea: this can cause stomach ache in babies and young children. With babies, try introducing small quantities of new foods at first. Children can be susceptible to food poisoning, so always cook all foods hygienically and thoroughly.

 

Appendicitis: the pain is below and either side of the navel, later moving to the right. There may be vomiting and a high temperature. The pain is made worse when the area is touched. Seek urgent medical attention.

 

Gastrointestinal/urinary/kidney problems: consult your doctor immediately if your child has griping stomach pains with a high temperature and vomiting and has constipation or diarrhea.

 

Toothache

 

Toothache can be very painful and distressing, but it is not always what it seems.

 

Toothache: this occurs when bacteria found in dental plaque turn the sugar in foods to acid, which attacks a tooth until the nerve endings become exposed. The best treatment for toothache is preventive - a healthy diet that is low in sugar, regular and effective tooth brushing and regular visits to the dentist. Apart from giving paracetamol, all that can be done is to make an emergency dental appointment

 

Sinusitis: this can easily be confused with toothache in the upper back teeth when the cheekbone sinuses are infected. Treatment is similar to that for the common cold - junior paracetamol and plenty of fluids. Antibiotics may be needed to treat any secondary bacterial infection.

 

Headache

 

A variety of causes may lead to headaches, but if other symptoms are present they may indicate a dangerous condition, such as meningitis. Always seek a doctor's advice if you are worried that your child is seriously unwell.

 

Heat exhaustion or dehydration: often a long drink of cool water and rest in a cool room is all that

is required.

 

Poor vision: if your child's headaches occur after watching television, arrange for an eye test.

 

Migraine: if there is a family history of migraines and your child also complains of stomach aches, nausea and dislikes bright lights or loud noises, he could have a migraine. Treat with junior paracetamol and bed rest in a dark, quiet room.

 

Stress: a headache caused by stress may sometimes be a plea for attention

 

Cold or flu: both can be accompanied by a headache. If combined with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, a high temperature, a rash and obvious illness, call a doctor immediately.

 

Earache

 

Earache is a common problem for children, and sometimes it can persist.

 

Otitis media (ear infection): young children and babies often suffer from this infection of the middle ear, usually after an upper respiratory tract infection. The child feels generally unwell, has a temperature and may pull her ears, or in the case of babies, move her head from side to side.

 

Glue ear: if a child suffers from persistent otitis media, the ear becomes filled with a thick fluid that impairs hearing. The problem can be treated in hospital by inserting tiny tubes, called grommets, into the ear. This allows the fluid to drain out.

 

NOTE: earache can be treated with painkillers, decongestant drops and antibiotics if there is an infection. However, nothing - including warm olive oil - should be put into a child's ear unless under medical advice.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.