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Irritability

• Overview
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Inconsolability

Home Care:

Attempt to soothe the child with usual measures -- rocking, cuddling, or whatever the child normally finds soothing. If the child cannot be consoled, consult your health care provider. Observe the child for other symptoms such as fever , abdominal pain , vomiting , rash , or any other unusual finding.

Call your health care provider if:

If your child is irritable or inconsolable with or without other symptoms, consult your health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Tests may include a complete blood count , electrolyte analysis, and blood culture .

Medical history questions documenting irritability in detail may include:

• How irritable is the child?
• Does the irritability persist?
• How does the child normally eat (how often, how much)?
• How is the child eating now?
• How often does the child normally have bowel movements?
• Does the child have problems with diarrhea or constipation ?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Is there any fever, confusion , or pain?

After seeing your health care provider:

You may want to add a diagnosis related to irritability to your personal medical record.

• Review Date: 12/1/2005
• Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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