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Ensuring that children are not afraid of needles can help them stay healthy in the long run.
As a parent, your child suffers is one of the worst things to see. But many of us, along with our pediatricians, reject the anxiety and pain that vaccines can cause.
Adults understand that the pain will only last for a second, but children do not worry about it when they panic. As a result, many children grow up with fear of needles and doctor visits, which can make routine visitation for wellness a total war.
As children grow up, this unmitigated fear can turn them into adults with phobias who avoid the vaccines and health care they so badly need.
Not all doctors believe that parents and children should fend for themselves with pain. In fact, many clinics offer programs to reduce or eliminate needle pain, a practice that has a positive impact on children and adults.
Why should reducing or preventing pain in the needle be a priority? Fear of needles can lead to lower immunization rates and lifelong avoidance of appropriate health care.
"We know that there are many immediate and long-term psychological and physical effects of poorly managed pain for needles. Kids are scared, do not want to go to the doctor and it's harder for parents to get them there, "said Christine Chambers, PhD, a professor of pediatrics and psychology who studies pain in children. "We also know that poorly controlled pain early in life can make children's bodies more vulnerable to pain later and make them susceptible to chronic pain. For all these reasons, parents and physicians should prioritize pain management. "
"In fact, we have evidence-based solutions to easily manage pain in the needle in children of all ages. So it makes sense to use these strategies in practice, "said Chambers.
The following strategies can help reduce or reduce the pain caused by vaccines and blood tests.
Numb the skin
The use of topical anesthesia to numb the area where the needle will be inserted can greatly reduce the pain. Doctors can use lidocaine cream, an over-the-counter product that can be used safely in infants. Applying the cream 30 minutes before a shot or blood sample can reduce or prevent pain. To do this, you will want to know in advance where the doctor plans to "stick" the child, so you may need to make a call to coordinate it.
Sarah Clark, MPH, Co-Director of the National Children's Health Survey of CS Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, said that it was necessary to phone In advance to get information on anesthetic cream – and let your child know what this cream may have asked for – can help them feel better.
"Rather than avoid the problem and hope that everything goes well, this approach allows the parent to recognize the child's anxiety and develop a plan to address it," Clark told Healthline.
Give a lollipop or allow badfeeding
Allowing babies to badfeed or suck a pacifier soaked in sugar water when inserting a needle is also encouraged and can help relieve pain.
Do not hold back the child
Many people, who are now adults, were trapped as children at the time of the shootings. It is illegal at Children's Minnesota, where the "promise of comfort" is intended to prevent or lessen pain with each needlestick. With good control of pain and distraction, children should rarely be restrained.
Distract, distract, distract
Whether it's about making bubbles or allowing your child to play a game on your phone, there are all sorts of distractions that can make shooting less anxiety-provoking.
Clark agreed that distraction can be helpful, as does the involvement of the child throughout the process. Singing a song, allowing the child to talk or encouraging him to cough at the precise moment of the shot can be a good distraction.
Look what you say
Parents who tell a child that the shot will be over soon, or that it will not hurt very much, or that it will be "just a pinch" mean good, but Chambers and Clark say that these statements may indicate to a child that the parent is worried. – something that kids emphasize. Instead, use a statement that distracts or talk to your child about coping mechanisms when he gets shot.
"The first thing to do for the parent to stay calm," Clark added. "Many children feel the anxiety of their parents, which exacerbates their reaction."
Clark said parents could use a reward, such as visiting the park or getting an ice cream after the doctor's visit, and telling the kid that the reward would be a way to celebrate the fact that the family was not going to see it. a child grew up as a boy or a girl as fat.
Do not promise that there will be no shooting, you may not know if the doctor will recommend it, Clark said. "A reasonable option is simply to ask out loud:" I'm not sure if today's visit will have a shot; we will have to wait and see, "she said.
mimic
Role play before the office visit can be especially helpful with children aged 2 to 5, Clark said. "Whether with a medical kit of toys or reading a book on the subject, parents can play the role of the visit to the doctor so that the child knows what to expect," said Clark. "An important part – emphasize the blow only lasts a few seconds."
You can also use a book or video as a tool to introduce the child to what will happen. Then, when he or she is about to get stung, you can mention that it happens as in the book or video.
Speak
Chambers said parents should ask their doctor what can be done to manage needle pain. Often this can open a useful dialogue or allow doctors to share their advice on what works. "For most kids, strategies like distraction, role play and topical painkillers will reduce anxiety. If this is not the case and the child is distressed in other situations, the parent may want to ask the provider for other suggestions, or even a referral to a behavior specialist. " Clark said.
Say no to the pain at the needle
Chambers said it was worthwhile to prioritize the reduction or elimination of needle pain.
"Parents can do a lot to help prepare children before needles, support them throughout their lives and help them focus on what happened well afterwards. All of this helps children cope better not only with this needle, but also makes the next needle easier, "said Chambers.
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