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.

Watch the child for other symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Poor appetite
• Rash
• Vomiting

Call your health care provider if:

Contact your health care provider if your child is irritable or inconsolable, with or without other symptoms.

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

The health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Tests may include:

• Blood culture
• Complete blood count
• Electrolyte analysis

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 does the child have?
• 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.