Pain management in children

Interest in the management and study of pain in children has increased in recent years. A range of techniques appropriate to childrem with different developmental levels is now available for the assessment of various aspects of childhood pain. A management plan can be developed depending on the cause of pain and choosing from a range of therapeutic techniques. It should take into account both the physical and psychological aspects of pain. Drugs form the mainstay of treatment of pain with a clear physiological cause. Suitable drugs are now available but inexperience and myths may still result in reluctance to use appropriate strong analgesics in children. Post operative pain control and the analgesic needs of neonates have been particularly neglected areas. Management can be dramatically improved by increasing staff sensitivity and the use of an integrated programme of drugs, physical techniques and psychological approaches.