Irritability in Children

Irritability is a state of being overly sensitive to stimulation. Children who are irritable may, for example, cry easily.

What is going on in the body?

A child who is irritable may be responding to something that causes pain, fright, or discomfort. Some children are more sensitive to stimuli than others and may become more easily irritated. In some cases, a serious medical condition can cause irritability.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The cause is of irritability is harder to figure out in very young children who cannot talk. Being overtired or hungry, teething, having soiled diapers, and the need for attention may all cause mild irritability.

Medical conditions can also cause irritability, including:

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms depend on the cause of the irritability. The healthcare provider may ask:

Other questions may be asked about the child's eating, drinking, and sleeping habits, and activity level.

How is the condition diagnosed?

The healthcare provider begins the investigation of irritability with a history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed to make the diagnosis. In other cases, the healthcare provider may order tests such as:

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Avoiding people with infections may reduce the risk of irritability due to these causes. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If an infection is causing the child's irritability, antibiotics may cure the infection and there are usually no long-term effects. A child with cancer may need lifelong treatment.

What are the risks to others?

Irritability itself is not contagious. If an infection is the cause, the infection may be contagious.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Infections causing irritability are often treated with antibiotics. A child who has colic may be treated with comfort measures, such as rocking. Treatment for autoimmune disorders may include medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. If a medication causing the irritability, it may be stopped.

A child with cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some conditions, such as heart defects present at birth, may be treated with open heart surgery. Medications are often used for mood problems, such as depression.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used for the underlying cause of the irritability. For example, antibiotics can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions. Surgery poses a risk of infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction to anesthesia. Chemotherapy can cause many side effects.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

In many cases, treatment "cures" the child's irritability. In other cases, the cause cannot be cured and needs further treatment.

How is the condition monitored?

A child with a mild illness or infection can often be monitored at home by the caregiver. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. A child with HIV or leukemia may need to be monitored with repeated blood tests. Any medications used may also need monitoring, often with blood tests.

Author:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Written:
Editor:Duff, Ellen, BA
Edit Date:09/28/00
Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed:07/13/01

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