Why Paediatric Nurses Want You to Give Pain Relief to Your Child

Because pain doesn’t need to be a test they have to pass.

When your child is hurting, the last thing you want is to make them “tough it out.” But so many parents still hesitate to give pain relief — not because they don’t care, but because they’re unsure:

“Will it hide what’s really going on?” “Should I wait for a doctor to see them first?” “What if I give the wrong thing?”

Let’s clear this up: you are absolutely allowed — and encouraged — to give pain relief to your child when they are in pain or distress. In fact, it’s something we, as paediatric nurses, genuinely want you to do.

Pain relief doesn’t “mask” illness — it helps us assess your child better

One of the most persistent myths is that pain relief might "hide" important symptoms. But that’s not how it works.

In reality, pain relief can improve our ability to assess your child.

Untreated pain can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing — all of which can mimic signs of serious illness. Once pain is reduced, we get a clearer picture of what’s going on.

In other words: pain itself can cloud the diagnosis. Treating it helps, not hinders.

Pain is not diagnostic. Pain is a problem.

Some caregivers worry that if their child seems better after pain relief, they’ll be sent home too soon or misdiagnosed. But here's what clinical experience and current evidence tell us:

“Pain is not diagnostic. Pain is a problem in its own right.”

Pain doesn’t need to be used as a "test." It deserves attention — and treatment — regardless of the cause. Your child doesn’t need to prove they’re in pain by suffering longer.

Pain relief supports better outcomes, not just better comfort

Untreated or poorly managed pain in children has been linked to:

• Increased anxiety during future procedures

• Higher levels of distress (for both child and parent)

• Longer recovery times

• Behavioural changes after hospital visits

On the flip side, managing pain early — even before medical help arrives — can make a huge difference. It promotes healing, builds trust in the healthcare process, and supports a child’s sense of safety and control.

And as a parent, that’s a powerful thing to offer.

What we give in hospital is exactly what you’re allowed to give at home

In most situations, the first thing we’ll do in the ED, ward, or ambulance is give pain relief. So if you’ve already given paracetamol or ibuprofen, you’re not interfering — you’re starting the job for us.

And if it hasn’t helped enough? That’s important information. It tells us more about the severity and helps guide our next steps.

You are not delaying care. You are improving it.

What can you safely use at home?

• Paracetamol (Panadol, Dymadon): Suitable from 1 month of age.

• Ibuprofen (Nurofen): Generally suitable from 3 months of age (unless advised otherwise).

• Always check the label for dose and age guidelines.

Both are effective and safe when given correctly — and can be used for:

• Pain from injury (e.g. sprains, breaks, bumps)

• Earaches, sore throats, or headaches

• Pain

• Irritability and discomfort with fever &illness

• Discomfort following immunisations or procedures

  
  

You’re not just treating pain — you’re preventing trauma

Poorly managed pain in childhood can leave a lasting impact. Kids remember distressing procedures, scary hospital trips, and feeling out of control. But when we reduce pain early, we help them:

• Cope better with future medical care

• Develop trust in health professionals

• Recover with less anxiety

Pain relief isn’t just about right now. It shapes how your child experiences health care long term.

The Sick Sense Rule: If your child is in pain, you can 150% give pain relief.

And if it’s not enough, medical staff can escalate it safely.

We don’t want you watching your child suffer while you wait for permission. Whether you’re on the phone to HealthDirect, driving to ED, or waiting for an ambulance — give the medicine.

You’re not “hiding” anything. You’re helping us — and you’re helping them.

Written by The Sick Sense — where we don’t fear-monger. We build confidence. Backed by paediatric nurse consultants and specialists who’ve seen it all, and parents who want to feel prepared.

References

• Czarnecki, M. L., et al. (2019). The impact of pain management on pediatric patients’ experience. Pain Management Nursing, 20(6), 549–560. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6901171/

• The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. (2024). Pain assessment and measurement. https://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_index/Pain_assessment_and_measurement/

• The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. (2023). Reduce children's discomfort during tests and procedures. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Reduce_childrens_discomfort_during_tests_and_procedures/

• Don’t Forget the Bubbles. (2023). Paediatric Analgesia and Pain Assessment. https://dontforgetthebubbles.com/paediatric-analgesia-pain-assessment/

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute individual medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider regarding specific concerns, medication use, or if you are unsure whether pain relief is appropriate for your child. In the event of an emergency, seek immediate medical attention or call Triple Zero (000) in Australia.