Discover effective pain relief medications such as paracetamol and child ibuprofen to treat fever and provide pain relief for babies and young children. Our range of products includes Calpol and Nurofen for Children.
Get in touch if you require further advice on treatments or managing pain.
Understanding fever and pain in children
From teething to earaches, a sore throat to a broken bone, children unfortunately experience various types of pain as they grow. Handling this pain effectively helps your child recover quicker and remain comfortable during the process.
At Pharmacy Online, you'll find a selection of products tailored for every type of child's pain, whether it’s mild pain or moderate pain associated with an infection or injury.
What is fever?
Fever is often a child’s natural response to infections, acting as a signal that their body is working to fight off infections like colds or the flu and can often be a cause of concern for parents.
However, recognising the difference between a mild fever and one that requires a doctor's attention is a must. A digital thermometer can provide an accurate temperature reading; remember, a normal temperature in children is about 36.4°C, but this can vary slightly.
What causes pain?
Teething
Teething is a normal part of childhood development but can be quite painful for babies and toddlers. As teeth break through the gums, it can cause redness, swelling, and irritability. You might find your baby chewing on their fingers or toys to help relieve the pressure. Cold teething rings or massaging the gums gently can often provide relief.
Infections
Children are particularly susceptible to infections, which can lead to various types of pain.
- Ear infections (otitis media) are common and can cause significant ear pain due to fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
- Throat infections can lead to severe sore throat pain.
- Urinary tract infections, though less common, can cause pain during urination and abdominal discomfort.
Minor injuries
Active play, a key element for children’s development, can sometimes lead to injuries. Common minor injuries include cuts, bruises, sprains, and strains.
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Common signs of fever and pain in children
Not every child is the same, and each one responds differently to fever and pain, so it's a good idea to understand the range of common signs your child might display, so you can act swiftly.
Some common indicators include:
Fever signs:
1. A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
2. Sweating or feeling hot to the touch on their forehead, back, or stomach.
3. Chills and shivering.
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Irritability or more crying than usual.
6. Lethargy or sleepiness.
Signs of pain:
1. Crying that's inconsolable, especially in younger children who can’t verbally communicate.
2. Changes in sleeping or eating habits.
3. Unusually cranky or clingy behaviour.
4. Rubbing or pulling at ears or other body parts.
5. Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
When to seek medical assistance
If your child has persisting pain or severe pain, or the pain is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out more serious conditions.
- Consult a healthcare professional if:
- Your child's fever lasts more than 5 days.
- Pain persists despite taking over-the-counter medications.
- You notice other symptoms like a rash, persistent vomiting, refusal to drink fluids, or extreme lethargy.
Our range of children's fever and pain relief products
At Pharmacy Online, our range of children’s fever and pain relief products offers safe and effective solutions to cater to various needs, ensuring your little one gets the relief they need.
Oral Suspensions
Calpol Infant Sugar Free Oral Suspension Strawberry Flavour: Suitable for infants from 2 months, ideal for reducing fever and relieve pain like teething discomfort.
Nurofen for Children: Ibuprofen-based, suitable for reducing inflammation and pain in children aged 3 months to 9 years.
Calpol Six Plus Oral Suspension: Formulated for children 6 years and older, helps relieve more severe pain and lower fever.
Vapour Plug-ins
Calpol Vapour Plug In & Nightlight: Emits soothing lavender and chamomile vapours to reduce nighttime discomfort and help your little one sleep.
Fast Melts
Calpol Six Plus Fastmelts: Specially formulated for children aged 6 years and older, these melt in the mouth without the need for water, providing quick relief from fever, headaches, toothaches, and other types of mild to moderate pain.
These are just a few examples. For more information and to explore our full range, visit our Children’s Fever and Pain Relief section.
How to choose the right pain management product
Choosing the appropriate pain management product for your child depends on your child's age, the specific symptoms they're experiencing, and any known allergies they may have.
Consider your child's age
Children's medications are formulated differently based on age groups to ensure safety and effectiveness. Always check the label to see if the medication is suitable for your child's age group.
For example:
- Infants have specific formulas, often in liquid form, that are gentler and dosed differently than those for older children.
- Some products, like certain Fastmelts, are only recommended for children above a certain age due to the risk of choking or the child’s ability to swallow pills.
Understand the symptoms
Choose a product that targets your child’s specific symptoms. For instance:
- For teething pain, a topical gel or a cooling teething ring might be appropriate.
- For general pain or fever, paracetamol or ibuprofen are common choices. Paracetamol can be used for babies as young as two months old, while ibuprofen is typically used for children over six months.
Check for allergies
Before giving your child any medication, make sure they're not allergic to any of its ingredients. Read the ingredient list on the package carefully. For children with multiple allergies, it may be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to identify the safest options for you.
How to use children's pain relief medication safely
When it comes to managing your child's pain or fever with medication, safety is essential:
- Always follow the dosage based on the instructions provided in the patient information leaflet in the package. These guidelines are based on age and your child's weight.
- Use the dosing syringe, cup, or spoon that comes with the medication to make sure you administer the right amount. Never use a kitchen spoon as they aren't accurate.
- Never exceed the recommended maximum daily dose, and follow the recommended timing of doses. Too much ibuprofen can lead to stomach upset or kidney problems; too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.
- Always keep medications out of reach and sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
Consult with our online pharmacist
If you're unsure which product suits your child's needs best, speak with one of our pharmacists who can guide you in your choice.
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Why choose Pharmacy Online?
At Pharmacy Online, we're here to help your child bounce back quickly and safely when pain or fever strikes. Our easy-to-use website lets you quickly find the right, safe medication, and with just a few clicks, it's on its way to your home.
Unsure about what to choose? Our online doctor service and friendly pharmacists are just a call or click away. Let us help you take the worry out of treating your child’s discomfort, so they can get back to feeling great.
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