Fever and pain in children can lead to lost or disrupted sleep, anxiety among the family and days of nursery, school or work missed due to illness1
Ibuprofen for children can provide long-lasting relief from the burden of pain and fever
Although fever in young children is one of the most common forms of illness, new research shows that the majority of parents find it challenging to manage their children’s symptoms.1,2 A recent OnePoll survey funded by Nurofen’s Know More Pain campaign highlighted that over half (64%) of parents worry about how best to treat their child’s pain or fever, even though effective OTC remedies are readily available in pharmacies.1
The research also highlights the wide-reaching impact that pain in children caused by common minor ailments, such as fever (e.g., caused by colds and infection), teething, and sprains can have on the health and wellbeing of the wider family, leading to lost or disrupted sleep, concern among the family and days off nursery, school or work missed due to illness.1
Sleep is especially important for children as it directly impacts mental and physical development. It is during deep sleep that blood supply to muscles is increased, energy is restored, tissue growth and repair occurs, and important hormones vital for growth and development are released.3 Loss of sleep in children with pain or fever was found to cause significant concern among parents, with 73% expressing concern when their child misses out on a full night’s sleep. Furthermore, half (50%) of parents say they worry about themselves or other family members missing out on sleep when their child or grandchild is ill.1
“Although pain and fever in children are very common, particularly at this time of year, this can often be distressing for parents,” said Pharmacist, Terry Maguire. “When children are ill they often can’t sleep which of course also impacts the wider family. Sleep is vital not only for a child’s health and development but also for maintaining the physical and mental wellbeing of parents. Relieving pain or fever in children can alleviate some of this burden, and there are a number of options in the pharmacy that can be used.”
In addition to anxiety about lost or interrupted sleep, the Know More Pain research shows that many parents worry about the impact of the child’s illness on daily life, with over half (52%) of parents feeling concern about their child missing nursery or school, and 35% expressing concern about having to take time off work to care for their sick child.1
With a growing and ageing population putting increasing pressure on healthcare systems, people’s ability to self-care is more important than ever. Nurofen has activated the Know More Pain campaign in order to encourage people to understand more about pain, including its causes, and ways to better engage in managing it.
“These findings demonstrate that parents need much more information and support on how best to manage fever and pain in children. Pharmacists are experts in medicine and can use their clinical expertise together with practical knowledge to advise parents on recognising symptoms, as well as providing specialist guidance on appropriate OTC treatments. If parents are unsure, they should be encouraged to speak to their pharmacist,” continues Pharmacist, Terry Maguire.
Nurofen for Children contains ibuprofen and is appropriate for a wide range of pain in children including fever, earache, teething, sprains and strains, headache and cold and flu. It provides up to eight hours of pain relief to help get a full night sleep, with one dose providing longer lasting pain relief than standard paracetamol.4
Nurofen for Children 3 months to 9 years Strawberry Oral Suspensions
Nurofen for Children 3 months to 9 years Strawberry Oral Suspensions is for the treatment of pain and fever in children. Contains ibuprofen. Always read the label. The summary of product characteristics is available here:https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3249/smpc
About Know More Pain
The causes of pain are complex. However, it can often be a consequence of today’s busy, active lifestyles. Everyday pain has a personal impact but the ripple effect on wider family members and society is underappreciated. Nurofen understands the emotional as well as the physical burden of pain and gives you the confidence to help manage your pain effectively. If you KNOW more about pain, you can better embrace a life with one less barrier. We are striving for a world withNO more unnecessary pain. We support personal empowerment over everyday pain. #KnowMorePain
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