Age-Appropriate Toys Can Soothe and Distract Sick Children

Relieving pain is not just kind; it is essential to healing.

During the holidays, proper pain management takes on an even more important role as it improves a child’s ability to enjoy the season and brings comfort to family members.

"Pain is not just an uncomfortable and scary part of the hospital experience for patients and parents; it also actually affects the body’s ability to heal itself," said Dr. Nancy L. Glass, a pediatric anesthesiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital. "The body releases stress chemicals in response to pain, and those chemicals interfere with wound healing."

In addition, pain that is not relieved leads to anger and mistrust, emotional withdrawal and sleep problems, and may temporarily slow down a child’s developmental progress.

Historically, adults have held many misconceptions about children and pain. For instance, parents often think that:

• Infants don’t experience pain, and even if they do, they won’t remember it when they are older.
• Children cry when they are in pain.
• A child might become addicted to narcotics, so it’s best not to prescribe such medicine.
• Experiencing pain makes a child stronger.
• Taking medication is a sign of weakness.

"Some parents think if their child is playing, then he or she is OK," said Kelly Bryant, a registered nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital. "They don’t realize children can play while in pain."

Bryant also notes that some children won’t admit they are in pain because they don’t want a shot or bad-tasting medicine, but medication can play an important role in managing a child’s pain, even if it is not the only method used.

Children’s addiction to pain medication is rare when administered and monitored by a medical professional.

In addition to managing pain through proper drug techniques, the Texas Children’s Pediatric Pain Service recommends the following ways to comfort a child:

• Distract attention away from pain by blowing bubbles, listening to a story or playing video games.
• Tap into soothing senses by giving the child a pacifier, giving a back rub or listening to music.
• Control anxiety by preparing the child for what is to come, or by offering choices, such as what color bandage to apply.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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