Fever and pain in a child
Parents and caregivers usually know when a baby or child is in pain because of changes in the child's behavior. A child who has moderate to severe pain may have more of these behavior changes, the changes may be more constant, and the parents may be less able to comfort the child. Such changes include:
- Eating less.
- Being more fussy or restless.
- Crying that can't be comforted.
- Different facial expressions, such as a wrinkled forehead.
- Sleep changes, such as waking often or sleeping more or less than usual.
- Unusual body movements, such as making fists, kicking, clinging, limping, or not using a part of the body.
Severe pain in a young child may indicate a serious problem. A child who has a fever and moderate to severe pain needs immediate medical evaluation.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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