Mahaska Health Partnership Educates on Pain Relievers for Children

Mahaska Health Partnership

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – Whether it’s teething, a hard fall on the playground or a fever that won’t break, kids may occasionally need over-the-counter pain reliever. With so many options available, it’s important for parents to know the proper way to administer these medications.

“It can be unnerving for a parent when your child is experiencing pain,” Mahaska Health Partnership Pediatrician Dr. John O’Brien said. “Often, it comes unexpectedly and at a time when your primary care provider may not be available to answer questions. Should you choose to give non-prescription pain medications, it’s important to know how much to give your child in order to avoid further complications.”

There are two over-the-counter pain medications that are most commonly used for children; Ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Each medication comes in a variety of forms, including liquid, chewables and tablets. Age and weight are key factors in determining which medication should be administered to a child. Aspirin, which has been linked to Reye’s Syndrome, should never be given to children or teenagers unless instructed by a physician.

“There are a few key guidelines I encourage all parents to follow when it comes to treating their child’s pain,” Dr. O’Brien explained. “Compare any medications your child is already taking with ingredients in the pain reliever to avoid overdosing. Most importantly, do not administer medications intended for an adult to children; only use medications that are approved for children.”

Once you have determined that the medication is safe, check the concentration and recommended dosage on the product. “Weight is the best indication for determining the appropriate dose for a child. Use the measuring tool provided with the medication instead of a regular spoon, to ensure precision.

“I also recommend sticking to either ibuprofen or acetaminophen products when treating the same illness and not alternating them. It’s easier to keep track of when you can give your child another dose of medication and lessens the risk of consuming too much pain medication.

” Over-the-counter medications can be beneficial, as long as they are taken correctly and only when necessary,” Dr. O’Brien stressed.

As a Pediatrician, Dr. John O’Brien specializes in the treatment of children from newborns up to 21 years of age. He practices fulltime at Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa and is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Brien, call 641.672.3360.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, look us up on the web: www.mahaskahealth.org.

Posted by on Feb 18 2015. Filed under Lifestyle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

Comments are closed

         

Search Archive

Search by Date
Search by Category
Search with Google
Log in | Copyright by Oskaloosa News