Irritability
The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.
Also known as: Inconsolability
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- 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 or constipation?
- What other symptoms does the child have?
- Is there any fever, confusion, or pain?
Definition
Irritability is an excessive response to stimuli.
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:
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:
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 physical examination. Tests may include:
Medical history questions documenting irritability in detail may include:
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.
See also:
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Special Topic
Stimulus
A stimulus is anything that can trigger a physical or behavioral change. The plural of stimulus is stimuli. Stimuli can be external (a patient responds to a medication) or internal (a patient’s vital signs change due to a change in a bodily system). Examples of stimuli include irritants, sights, ...
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Injury
Head injury
A head injury is any trauma that leads to injury of the scalp, skull, or brain. The injuries can range from a minor bump on the skull to serious brain injury. Head injury is classified as either closed or open (penetrating). A closed head injury means you received a hard blow to the head from ...
- Review date:
- November 7, 2009
- Reviewed by:
- Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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