What Can I Give My Child For a Headache?
Headaches are a common ailment that we all deal with at some point. As adults, we know what gives us relief so that we can go about our day. But, what about kids? Headaches are common among school-age children — and migraines can start early, too.
Many parents get nervous when their child has a headache and fear the worst. However, headaches are often normal and can be easily treated at home.
What can you give your child for a headache? And when is it serious enough to see the doctor? This article will answer these questions and more.
What Causes Headaches in Children?
Children get headaches for many different reasons. It is becoming more and more common for kids to suffer from stress-related tension headaches — especially those who are in school.
The exact cause of a headache is a hot topic for researchers, some believing it comes from tight muscles or blood vessels in the head, others believing that brain chemicals and electrical signaling could be the culprits.
Regardless of their specific cause, some factors contribute to headaches in children, such as:
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Hormones
- Diet
- Medications
- Genetics
Signs Your Child May Have a Headache
While older kids can tell you that they have a headache, younger kids may not be able to verbalize this. They may not be able to explain what it is they are feeling. So knowing what to look out for is always a good idea.
- Fussy or cranky
- Inability to sleep — or sleeping too much
- Touching or holding the head
Ask your child to tell you what hurts and where it hurts. But also ask if other things hurt, too. For instance, does their throat hurt? Body ache? Ear pain? Nausea? Fever?
How to Treat Your Child’s Headache
If your child is complaining of a headache, over-the-counter children’s pain relievers are always a good place to start. This will often take away the pain within about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that you don’t want to continuously give this medicine to your child, but a dose at the onset of a headache is usually all it takes.
Always document any key information in case a trip to the pediatrician becomes necessary. What medicine did you give? When did you give it? How did it help or not help?
Monitor your child for other symptoms. Many times a headache is just a headache. But, it is always a good idea to look out for any other signs or symptoms of pain or illness.
Lifestyle and diet can play a role in recurrent headaches. If you notice a pattern of headaches, such as after eating or drinking certain things, seasonal headaches, or those that occur during school or when anxiety is present, take note and let your pediatrician know.
When to See Your Pediatrician For a Headache
Although most headaches shouldn’t cause alarm, some instances, like those below, should prompt a visit to the pediatrician.
- If headaches are occurring frequently throughout the week
- When over-the-counter children’s pain relievers are not working
- If your child has a headache — along with a stiff neck and fever
- When the headache is accompanied by vomiting and no other symptoms
- If your child has trouble sleeping or is awakened due to the headache
- When the headache pain gets worse when lying down
A headache is common, but whether your child is experiencing any of the above or you just feel that it may be something more, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician.
Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group is a highly experienced team of pediatricians serving patients from birth through college. They have been an established leader in pediatrics for decades in the Haddon Heights and Mullica Hill areas of New Jersey.