Pain Flashcards
What are the common causes of child pain?
colic fever teething sore ears headache (less common)
when does colic start?
generally, from 2 weeks-4 months old
How is colic characterised?
with bouts of screaming in an otherwise thriving baby
what causes colic?
colic is not harmful, but it is distressing.
caused by either swallowing air during feeding, or lactose intolerance in young babies.
What is a fever?
an important component in the body’s defence system against infection, as a higher than normal temperature weakens infecting bugs.
children are susceptible, and sometimes get febrile convulsions (related to a steep rise in temperature)
What is teething pain?
Common for the growing of the first set of teeth
what are the symptoms of teething pain?
irritability
drooling
flushed cheeks
chewing on everything
feeding problems
diarrhoea
red, spotty nappy rash
what often occurs with teething?
fever
diarrhoea,
respiratory infections
reason is unclear
What is sore ear pain in children?
usually caused by otitis media- middle ear inflammation
What are the 3 main sections of the ear?
outer
middle
inner
Which tube links the nose and the throat to the ear?
eustachian tube
how does the middle ear become inflammed?
when viruses or bacteria travel from the nose to the ear.
What causes pain in otitis media?
blockage of the eustachian tube
Why are ear infections more common in children?
their Eustachian tubes are smaller, shorter and flatter and are more easily blocked during headcolds. They don’t function as well as in older children and adults.
What are the main symptoms of otitis media in children?
cry/distressed/irritable
disturbed sleep particularly at start of infection
be harder to settle to sleep
vomit, lose interest in eating, lack of energy,
clingy.
How long does an ear infection last?
not long, usually wearing off within 24 hours
What causes the dull abnormal feeling after an ear infection
effusion (build up of fluid)
this can last several weeks - months.
may also cause short term decrease in hearing in that ear.
What questions should you ask the customer regarding pain in children?
WHO- baby or older child WHAT symptoms HOW long symptoms have persisted ACTION - what has been tried MEDICINES - what other meds the person is taking/health conditions they may have
When do you refer child pain & teething to the pharmacist?
child <5 years
child on other meds/medical conditions
Child with symptoms (sinus/ear pain, feeling unwell (fever), secretions from ear(s))
What are the treatment options for child pain& teething?
Paracetamol/Ibuprofen for Pain&Fever
(ibuprofen better as it has the anti-inflam action as well.)
choline salicylate (bonjela) for teething gel.
What are the medicine precautions that should be emphasised in child pain&teething
avoid nsaids in children in asthma
aspirin not to be used by children<12 years
recommend children given measured doses of medicines- use dropers, cups, spoons or oral syringes
Why should children <12 years not take Aspirin?
it has been linked with Reye’s syndrome, particularly after a viral illness
What advice can be given to customers regarding child pain & teething?
Refer to plunket/maternity carer for feeding technique review for babies with colic
check termometer is correctly used in fever (take temp at least 10 mins after something hot/cold has been eaten/drunk)
Use chilled teething rings/dry rusks to help relieve sore gums in teething
warm ear drop bottles in hands (makes it more flowy) before putting drops in the ear.
What are examples of oral paracetamol - liquids products?
panadol colour free suspension
your pharmacy double strength paracetamol suspension
pamol colour free infant drops,
Pamol all ages
What are the features of Panadol colour-free suspension?
Available as paracetamol 120mg/5mL or 250mg/5mL
what are the benefits of panadol colour free suspension?
Relieves pain and fever assoc. with headache, earache, immunisation, symptoms of cold and flu, toothache.
ALWAYS refer to dosage instructions on packet. Refer all children under 2 years to the Pharmacist
What are the features of Your Pharmacy double strength paracetamol suspension?
comes in paracetamol 250mg/5mL
what are the benefits of YP double strength paracetamol suspension?
Stronger strength is more suitable in younger and older children. This strength gives a smaller dose amount for older children.
Refer all children <2 years to the pharmacist
What ar the features of Pamol colourfree infant drops
Comes with paracetamol 50mg/1mL with inbuilt measuring dispenser
What are the benefits of pamol colour free infant drops?
Dispenser = easy, safe and accurate dosing.
Dosages can be given to children <2years to the pharmacist.
doses for older children can be given with water/fruit juice.
What are the features of Pamol all ages?
available as paracetamol 250mg/5mL suspension in orange and strawberry flavours. Both colour free.
What are the benefits of Pamol all ages?
can be used for children from 1 year and above
HOWEVER still refer children <2 years to pharmacist.
The higher strength gives a smaller dose amount for older children to swallow.
What are the oral ibuprofen liquid products?
YP ibuprofen suspension 200mL
Nurofen Child
What are the features of YP ibuprofen suspension 200mL?
contains Ibuprofen 100mg/5mL suspension.
sugar free.
What are the benefits of YP ibuprofen suspension 200mL?
Child friendly
Sugar free
Given to children >1 year.
Refer to pharmacist if Child <1 year
What are the teething gel products?
bonjela teething gel
ora-sed jel
What are the features of bonjela teething gel?
contains choline salicylate 8.7%
sugar free
what are the benefits of bonjela teething gel?
relieves pain
suitable for infants >4 months
massage into gums every 3 hours(?)
What ar the features of ora-sed gel?
contains choline salicylate 9%
raspberry flavoured
sugar free
What are the benefits of ora-sed jel?
relieves pain
child friendly flavour
suitable for babies > 4 months old
massage into gums 3 hourly.
