Best Pain Relief for Kids
When your child is hurting, do you know what to do?
Researchers have completed the first study ever to compare pain relievers used in treating injured kids brought to an emergency room, and ibuprofen was a clear winner. Thirty minutes after receiving a pain pill, it didn't matter which kind of pill the 6- to 17-year-olds received for their sprains, bruises, or fractures. They were all feeling more comfortable whether they had received ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or codeine. But at 1 hour, the kids who got ibuprofen had more significant drops in their pain-scale scores.
Every child responds differently to pain relievers. Be proactive and discuss your child's pain-relief options with your pediatrician.
Sadly, some kids in pain may suffer needlessly, either because they don't get medication at all, or because they don't get the most effective one. Whatever your child's age, plan on having a heart-to-heart with your pediatrician if your child is:
- Scheduled for a medical test or procedure that may be painful or cause lingering discomfort
- Injured, even if the injury appears minor to you
- Bothered by recurring episodes of pain, such as headaches
Get pointers on how to help your child handle pain.
