Managing Pain in Children

In a recent policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics recognized the need to improve management of pain in children. "Acute pain is one of the most common adverse stimuli experienced by children, occurring as a result of injury, illness, and necessary medical procedures. It is associated with increased anxiety, avoidance, somatic symptoms, and increased parent distress. Despite the magnitude of effects that acute pain can have on a child, it is often inadequately assessed and treated. . . . Pediatricians are responsible for eliminating or assuaging pain and suffering in children when possible."1

Primary care pediatricians occasionally care for children in extreme pain from acute burns, orthopedic injuries, sickle cell crises, and …