Irritability
Definition
Irritability is an excessive response to
Alternative Names
Inconsolability
Considerations
The term "irritability" is used for infants and young children who, when ill, are especially fussy, whiny, and fretful, despite attempts at comforting and soothing them.
Parents are usually very aware of their child's normal behavior and may pick up early changes that the health care provider wouldn't notice. This can help diagnose illness early.
Common Causes
Irritability can be a very early sign of serious problems. Although irritability is not a symptom of any specific illness, it should arouse suspicion in the parent that something might be wrong with the child, even though there may not yet be other symptoms.
Causes of irritability include:
Alcohol or drug withdrawal state - Autism spectrum disorders
- Cancer
Colic in infants - Congenital infections
Diabetes or other metabolic disease- Drug reaction
Ear infection Encephalitis - Fracture, sprain, or other bone, joint, or tissue injury
- Headache (migraine or other)
- Head trauma
Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia - Intestinal obstruction
- Intracranial bleeding or abscess
Iron deficiency anemia Lead poisoning Meningitis or other serious infection- Milk intolerance
- Nutritional deficiencies
Pinworm - Psychiatric illnesses
Sleep disorders Tay-Sachs or other genetic disease- Teething
- Viral infection
Home Care
Attempt to soothe the child with usual measures -- rocking, cuddling, or whatever the child normally finds soothing. If the child cannot be consoled, consult your health care provider.
Watch the child for other symptoms such as:
Abdominal pain Fever - Poor appetite
Rash Vomiting
Call your health care provider if
Contact your health care provider if your child is irritable or inconsolable, with or without other symptoms.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
The health care provider will take a medical history and perform a
Blood culture Complete blood count Electrolyte analysis
Medical history questions documenting irritability in detail may include:
- How irritable is the child?
- Does the irritability persist?
- How does the child normally eat (how often, how much)?
- How is the child eating now?
- How often does the child normally have bowel movements?
- Does the child have problems with
diarrhea orconstipation ? - What other symptoms does the child have?
- Is there any fever,
confusion , or pain?
After seeing your health care provider, you may want to add a diagnosis related to irritability to your personal medical record.
References
McCarthy PL. Evaluation of the sick child in the office and clinic. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 60.