1/4: Pain Explained

What is pain?

Pain is the body's useful warning that something is wrong, All children feel pain, just as much as adults. Some people have a high threshold and don't feel much pain, others have a low threshold and feel a lot more pain.

How can you know your child is in pain?

By watching him. He may seem noisier or quieter than usual, more sleepy or tense, flushed or pale. Many nurses know parents are often the best judge of this, as usually you notice when your baby or child looks different. By listening to him. Let your child know that it's alright to say that it hurts' and that help can be given. Even very small children can use pain charts (see the back of this brochure). By checking that the main problem is pain, and not that your child is tired, sad and upset or uncomfortable.

Why is it important to manage pain properly?

In the past, some children had to put up with a lot of pain. Most doctors and nurses now try to avoid this, and they aim to control pain within safe limits. Treating pain properly can help children to get better more quickly. It can help them to relax, sleep and to get up and play. A child shouldn't have to wait in pain, because the fear of being in pain makes it much worse. When this happens a higher dose of painkiller is needed. As one doctor observes: "The aim is to prevent pain from developing, by regular, continuous treatment. We make a best guess which may or may not be correct. If you or your child are not happy with the level of pain control, please tell someone so that it can be changed."

Can I do anything?

Yes, as a parent you have a key part in helping your child avoid or cope with pain. You know your child best. And, in some hospitals where more could be done about pain, you will help other children as well as your own, when you ask for better pain control.

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