Pain Management

Many things affect your child's experience of pain. If you are worried or in doubt about your child's pain, talk to your local doctor, or if you are in hospital, a nurse or doctor. If you are unsure about whether or not to give any medication for your child's pain, it is best to get advice from your doctor or pharmacist. For information about a specific medication, see Medicines.

A child leaning forward and crying in pain

Parents are often the best judges of their child's pain. Listen to what they tell you and watch what they do. If worried or in doubt about your child's pain, talk to your local doctor or if you are in hospital, a nurse or doctor.

As a parent you know your child best. You can help staff to help your child cope with the procedure or surgery.

The presence of pain can affect all aspects of a child or young person's life and have a big impact on their family and whānau.

PCA stands for patient controlled analgesia. A PCA pump is a device that allows your child to give themselves a pre-set amount of pain medicine (usually morphine), as needed, by pressing a hand-held button.

A morphine infusion is a pain relieving medicine your child receives continuously through a pump. Tamariki (children) usually have it after an operation. They can also have it for other reasons.

An epidural is a very effective method of pain control used both during and after major surgery to the chest, tummy and legs.

You may know this gas as happy gas or laughing gas. It is a sweet smelling, colourless gas used to ease pain and anxiety. This gas is safe for use in children and there are no long-term side effects.