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.
