How to Gauge the Severity of Your Child’s Pain

It’s natural for parents to worry when their child says they’re in pain. Whether it’s a stomachache, an injury from play, or something more concerning like chest pain, it’s not always easy to know how serious the problem might be, especially since children can express pain in very different ways.

Devyani Chowdhury, MD, MHA, and our team at Cardiology Care for Children often help families evaluate symptoms like chest pain to determine cause and treatment as needed. The first step to getting your child the care they need is gauging the severity of their pain, and here are some practical tips to help you better understand your child’s symptoms and when to seek help.

Recognizing pain in infants and toddlers

Infants and toddlers can’t yet verbalize how they feel, and that means pain is usually expressed through behavior. Look for signs like inconsolable crying, changes in feeding patterns, disrupted sleep, irritability, or changes in activity levels. If your baby is unusually fussy, refusing to eat, or arching their back, it may indicate discomfort.

Always trust your instincts. If your child’s behavior seems very different from normal or you can’t soothe them, it’s a good idea to contact your child’s healthcare team.

Understanding pain in preschoolers

Preschool-age children can typically tell you when they hurt, but they may not have the words to describe the quality or severity of their pain. Encourage them to point to where it hurts or use a visual pain scale, like a series of faces ranging from happy to very sad, to help them express how bad it feels.

Pay attention to whether the pain is preventing them from doing usual activities, like playing, eating, or sleeping. Even if your child hasn’t expressed the severity of their pain, changes like these are important clues about how serious the pain may be.

Gauging pain in older children and teens

Older children and teens can generally give more detailed information about their pain, including when it started, how it feels, and what makes it better or worse. Ask open-ended questions and listen carefully to their answers.

Keep in mind that some teens may under-report pain because they don’t want to seem weak, while others may exaggerate out of fear or anxiety. Look at both their words and their behavior. If they’re unable to focus, withdrawing from activities, or showing signs of distress, take those cues seriously.

When to seek medical care for your child’s pain

Always take your child’s complaints of pain seriously, and remember that some types of pain warrant prompt medical attention. A few examples include chest pain, severe abdominal pain, unexplained headaches, or pain that’s accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, fainting, or changes in consciousness.

At Cardiology Care for Children, we specialize in evaluating chest pain and related symptoms in children, and we help families get answers quickly. If you’re ever unsure about the cause or severity of your child’s pain, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek care.

No one knows your child like you do. If something doesn’t seem right, or if your child’s pain is persistent or worsening, trust your instincts and contact your doctor. Our team is here to support you with expert evaluation and compassionate care when your family needs it most.

Contact us today to book an appointment at one of our clinics in Lancaster, Mifflinburg, and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana.