symptoms in infants and children
children s health issues
Crying
Doctors try to identify any medical disorder that may be causing an infant’s persistent crying. Certain symptoms are cause for concern and suggest that a medical disorder is causing the crying: Difficulty breathing Bruises or swelling over the head or other parts of the body Abnormal movements or twitching of any body part Extreme irritability (normal handling or movement causes crying or distress) Continuous crying, especially if it is accompanied by a fever A red and/or swollen scrotum Fever in an infant under 8 weeks old Children should be evaluated by a doctor right away if they have any warning signs, if they are vomiting, if they have stopped eating, or if parents notice swelling of the abdomen, a red and/or swollen scrotum, or any unusual behavior (in addition to the crying). If children without such signs appear well otherwise, parents can try typical measures such as feeding, burping, changing, and cuddling. If crying continues after such measures, parents should call the doctor. The doctor can help parents determine how quickly the child needs to be evaluated. Doctors first ask questions about the child's symptoms and medical history. Doctors then do a physical examination. What they find during the history and physical examination often suggests a cause of the crying and the tests that may need to be done ( see Table: Some Medical Disorders That Cause Excessive Crying in Infants and Young Children ). Infants with fever often have an infection, those with difficulty breathing may have a heart or lung disorder, and those with vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation may have a digestive disorder. Doctors ask about the crying: When it started How long it lasts How often it happens Whether it is related to feeding or bowel movements How infants respond to efforts to soothe them Parents are asked about recent events that may explain the crying (such as recent immunizations, injuries, and illnesses), and about drugs given to the infant. Doctors also ask questions to learn how well the parents are bonding with the infant and managing the infant’s needs. A physical examination is done to check for symptoms of disorders that can cause discomfort or pain. Doctors look particularly at the child's eyes for a corneal abrasion and at fingers, toes, and the penis for a hair tourniquet. Tests may or may not be needed depending on the infant's symptoms and the causes that doctors suspect. If the doctor's examination does not suggest a serious disorder, tests are not usually done, but doctors may schedule a follow-up visit to reevaluate the infant. 