Fussy or irritable child
Inconsolability; IrritabilityYoung children who cannot talk yet will let you know when something is wrong by acting fussy or irritable. If your child is fussier than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Causes
It is normal for children to get fussy or whiny sometimes. There are lots of reasons why children get fussy:
- Lack of sleep
- Hunger
- Frustration
- Fight with a sibling
- Being too hot or too cold
Your child also may be worried about something. Ask yourself if there has been stress, sadness, or anger in your home. Young children are sensitive to stress at home, and to the mood of their parents or caregivers.
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If your baby cries for longer than 3 hours a day, your baby might have colic. Colic is not caused by another medical problem. Many babies go throug...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleMany common childhood illnesses can cause a child to be fussy. Most illnesses are easily treated. They include:
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Ear infection
Ear infection
Suspected ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the health care provider. The most common type of ear inf...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Teething or a toothache
- Cold or flu
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Bladder infection
Bladder infection
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. This article discusses urinary tract infections in children. The infection ...
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- Headache
- Constipation
- Pinworm
- Poor sleep patterns
Although less common, your child's fussiness may be an early sign of a more serious problem, such as:
- Diabetes, asthma, anemia (low blood count), or other health problem
- Serious infections, such as an infection in the lungs, kidneys, or around the brain
Lungs
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a lifesaving procedure that is done when a baby's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This may ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleKidneys
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. This article discusses urinary tract infections in children. The infection ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe brain
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Head injury that you did not see happen
- Hearing or speech problems
- Autism or abnormal brain development (if fussiness does not go away and becomes more severe)
- Depression or other mental health problems
- Pain, such as headache or stomach ache
Home Care
Soothe your child as you would normally. Try rocking, cuddling, talking, or doing things your child finds calming.
Address other factors that may be causing fussiness:
- Poor sleep patterns
- Noise or stimulation around your child (too much or too little can be a problem)
- Stress around the home
- Irregular day-to-day schedule
Using your parenting skills, you should be able to calm your child and make things better. Getting your child on a regular eating, sleeping, and daily schedule can also help.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
As a parent, you know your child's usual behavior. If your child is more irritable than usual and cannot be comforted, contact your child's health care provider.
Watch for and report other symptoms, such as:
- Belly pain
- Crying that persists
- Fast breathing
- Fever
- Poor appetite
- Racing heartbeat
- Rash
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sweating
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your child's provider will work with you to learn why your child is irritable. During the office visit, the provider will:
- Ask questions and take a history
- Examine your child
- Order lab tests, if needed
References
Onigbanjo MT, Feigelman S. The first year. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 22.
Zhou D, Sequeira S, Driver D, Thomas S. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. In: Driver D, Thomas SS, eds. Complex Disorders in Pediatric Psychiatry: A Clinician's Guide. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2018:chap 15.
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Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration
The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
illustration
Review Date: 7/1/2023
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.