Irritability

WHAT CAUSES IRRITABILITY?
Excessive crying occurs for two reasons: a basic need such as hunger is not met or the baby is in distress. Make sure the baby is not wet, hungry or thirsty. Perhaps he is simply overtired. Have any unusual events interrupted the daily schedule? Is the baby too hot or cold, or is there an unfamiliar noise or odor?

Once these questions are addressed, move on to the reasons for distress: anger, discomfort or pain. For example, a child who is pulling on an ear and wailing may have a middle ear infection.

An isolated instance of irritability might signal illness. Frequent crying bouts are more likely to indicate a chronic problem, such as colic, allergies, food sensitivity, a skin problem such as prickly heat or a serious disease. The child's feelings should also be considered. Separation anxiety, which tends to occur at about eight months, can manifest itself with extra crying and irritability.

The presence of other symptoms such as vomiting or a fever may help pinpoint the cause of unusual irritability. It might be part of Reye's syndrome, a serious illness that is associated with aspirin use shortly before the onset of a viral infection such as influenza or the chicken pox. Because aspirin is rarely used today to treat children with fevers, Reye's syndrome has almost disappeared. In the rare instances when it does occur, it begins with confusion and lethargy, and progresses to personality changes, when irritability might arise. This is the time to call the doctor, because the symptoms rapidly worsen to seizures, weakness, paralysis of an arm or leg, double vision, speech impairment, hearing loss, fatigue and finally coma. Quick medical attention can be lifesaving.

DIAGNOSING ABNORMAL IRRITABILITY
Unusual crying that persists for more than two hours is usually a sign that something is amiss.

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, (C)1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.