Even though children cannot express themselves, they let you know when something is wrong by being fussy or irritable.
What some of the causes of a child being fussy or irritable
It is common for children to fuss . Some of the reasons why they do that include the following :
- hunger
- lack of sleep
- being frustrated
- being too hot or too cold
- fighting with a sibling
Stress, anger or sadness in the home can also result in children being fussy. Young children are sensitive to stress at home and mood of parents and caregivers.
Some common illness can cause children to become irritable. These include the following :
- ear infection
- cold or flu
- teething
- headache
- constipation
- pinworm
- stomach pain or stomach flu
- poor sleep pattern
Children can also become irritable due to serious problems such as the following :
- hearing and speech problems
- health problems such as diabetes, asthma and anemia
- autism or abnormal brain development
- depression and other mental health problems
- serious infection such as infection of the kidney, lungs or around the brain
- depression and other health problems
- pain such as stomachache or headache
When to call your doctor
These warning signs warrant a call to your doctor .
- belly pain
- persistent crying
- fever
- poor appetite
- fast heartbeat
- diarrhea nd vomiting
- rash
- sweating
Content Sources
Crying child. 3 months or older. Seattle Children’s Hospital. http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/crying-child-3-months-and-older/. Accessed July 25th, 2017