NEWS
PAEDIATRIC PAIN: THE DIFFICULTY IN DIAGNOSIS
Both parents and healthcare professionals can find it difficult to ascertain where a baby or toddler feels
pain...particularly before they begin to speak. But, how do you recognise pain in a child?
Pain in babies and toddlers may not always be obvious and this is made worse by the fact that children will often avoid talking about pain because they’re afraid of going to the doctor. The first step is therefore to not ask about ‘where it hurts’, but to watch for the non-verbal signs of pain.
Crying isn’t often an indicator of pain in a baby, mainly because in very young babies, crying is their method of expressing a whole range of needs. Signs of pain in a baby include:
• If a baby’s cry doesn’t sound like
their ‘normal’ cry, or if the cry can’t be soothed with a bottle, nappy change or a cuddle.
• Crying while being breastfed - usually because the sucking motion can create pressure in the baby’s ears. This may also be a sign of an ear infection.
• Prolonged, intense crying, often at the same time each day. This behaviour is a common symptom of colic, which creates abdominal pain in infants, and often starts at around two- three weeks, peaks at six weeks and then gradually declines.
• Crying and drawing the legs up to the abdomen. Again, this is a very common symptom of colic, but there can be other more serious conditions, such as
constipation, reflux, urinary tract infections and appendicitis.
• ‘Withdrawing’: a baby who is suffering from chronic pain can become still and quiet and may avoid eye contact. this is because the constant pain is sapping their energy.
• Very often, medication will be required to deal with a child’s pain, but there are other ways in which
a parent or healthcare can make a child more comfortable:
• Distraction can often help to take the focus off the pain. A toy, a snack, a plaster or even just a hug and some gentle words can help to push the pain into the background
• For babies, a cuddle or a nurse can be the best distraction of all - a soothing meal and a comforting touch from mom all at the same time.
MAJOR ANNIVERSARY FOR FRESENIUS KABI IRELAND
Fresenius Kabi Ireland recently celebrated its 40th year in business.
Since 1975, the Fresubin product range has expanded from a simple powder formula into a comprehensive enteral portfolio, which covers many different diseases, conditions and patient needs.
The Fresenius pharmaceutical company was actually formed as far back as 1912 by Hirsch Pharmacy pharmacist and proprietor, Dr Eduard Fresenius, and initially concentrated on injection solutions, serologic reagents and Bormelin nasal ointment.
Since then the company has marked some major developments. In 1984, for example, the home care concept was established by which patients, who have to be fed enterally can be cared for at
40 - PHARMACY IN FOCUS
home, while in 1997 the company introduced the world’s first dipeptide solution for parenteral nutrition.
‘Fresenius Kabi Ireland is focused on the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients by providing intravenously administered drugs, infusion therapies, clinical nutrition and the related medical devices,’ says Senior Product Manager- Enteral Nutrition at Fresenius Kabi, Finn Lyons. ‘While we are certainly celebrating 40 years for the company in Ireland, we are, of course, looking to the future. Going forward we will continue to put our efforts into integrating the latest research findings, technological innovations and new raw material sources into the Fresubin range to fight malnutrition and ensure high patient compliance.
REPEAT PERFORMANCE FOR SUCCESSFUL DIABETES CONFERENCE!
The JoMO/UKCPA Diabetes Medicines Optimisation Conference, which was held in Manchester in May this year, was a major success. So much so, in fact, that the conference is to be repeated in London on 7 October.
Satellite Sessions are now confirmed for a repeat of the conference and the website -
www.pharman.co.uk - is now live for bookings. Satellites already confirmed include:
There will be a choice of 16 satellites, including:
• Diabetes and Renal Disease • Diabetes in the Elderly • Diabetic Emergencies
• Type 1 and Type 2 - Putting NICE into Practice
• Managing Diabetes in Mental Health
• GP Practice Based Pharmacist – specialised role
but a full list can be viewed at:-
www.pharman.co.uk/ events/2016/10/mo-london- diabetes
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