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Fussy or irritable child
Inconsolability; irritability
Young children who cannot talk yet will let you know when something is wrong by acting fussy or irritable. If your child is fussier than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Causes
It is normal for children to get fussy or whiny sometimes. There are lots of reasons why children get fussy:
- Lack of sleep
- Hunger
- Frustration
- Fight with a sibling
- Being too hot or too cold
Your child also may be worried about something. Ask yourself if there has been stress, sadness, or anger in your home. Young children are sensitive to stress at home, and to the mood of their parents or caregivers.
A baby who cries for longer than 3 hours a day might have colic. Learn ways that you can help your baby with colic .
Help your baby with colic
Infantile colic - self-care; Fussy baby - colic - self-care
Many common childhood illnesses can cause a child to be fussy. Most illnesses are easily treated. They include:
-
Ear infection
Ear infection
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor. The most common type of ear infection is called otitis ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Teething or a toothache
- Cold or flu
-
Bladder infection
Bladder infection
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract. This article discusses urinary tract infections in children. The infection can affec...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Stomach pain or stomach flu
- Headache
- Constipation
-
Pinworm
Pinworm
Pinworms are small worms that infect the intestines.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Poor sleep patterns
Although less common, your child's fussiness may be an early sign of a more serious problem, such as:
- Diabetes, asthma, anemia (low blood count), or other health problem
-
Serious infections, such as an infection in the
lungs
,
kidneys
, or around
the brain
Lungs
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a lifesaving procedure that is done when a baby's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This may ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleKidneys
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract. This article discusses urinary tract infections in children. The infection can affec...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe brain
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Head injury that you did not see happen
- Hearing or speech problems
- Autism or abnormal brain development (if fussiness does not go away and becomes more severe)
- Depression or other mental health problems
-
Pain, such as headache or stomach ache
Home Care
Soothe your child as you would normally. Try rocking, cuddling, talking, or doing things your child finds calming.
Address other factors that may be causing fussiness:
- Poor sleep patterns
- Noise or stimulation around your child (too much or too little can be a problem)
- Stress around the home
- Irregular day-to-day schedule
Using your parenting skills, you should be able to calm your child and make things better. Getting your child on a regular eating, sleeping, and daily schedule can also help.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
As a parent, you know your child's usual behavior. If your child is more irritable than usual and cannot be comforted, contact your child's health care provider.
Watch for and report other symptoms, such as:
- Belly pain
- Crying that persists
- Fast breathing
- Fever
- Poor appetite
- Racing heartbeat
- Rash
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sweating
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your child's health care provider will work with you to learn why your child is irritable. During the office visit, the provider will:
- Ask questions and take a history
- Examine your child
- Order lab tests, if needed
References
Saunders M, Gorelick MH. The acutely ill child. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme III JW, et al., eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap. 60.
-
Central nervous system - illustration
The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.
Central nervous system
illustration
Review Date: 9/1/2014
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
