Irritability

Alternative names

Inconsolability

Definition

Irritability is an excessive response to stimuli.

Considerations

The term "irritability" is used specifically in regard to infants and young children who, when ill, demonstrate increased fussiness, whining, and fretfulness despite attempts at comforting and soothing.

Irritability is seen at the beginning of many infectious diseases, some metabolic diseases, head trauma, malignancies, and other types of disease. It can be a very early sign of serious problems.

Although irritability is not a symptom of any specific illness, it should arouse suspicion in the parent that something might be wrong with the child, even though there may not yet be other symptoms.

Parents are usually very aware of their child's normal behavior and may pick up early changes that would be unremarkable to the examining health care provider. This may aid in the early diagnosis of illness.

Common Causes

• Meningitis or other serious infection
  
• Otitis media
  
• Head trauma
  
• Alcohol or drug withdrawal state
  
• Nutritional deficiencies
  
• Intestinal obstruction
  
• Milk intolerance
  
• Intracranial bleeding or abscess
  
• Headache (migraine or other)
  
• Colic in infants
  
• Congenital infections
  
• Diabetes or other metabolic disease
  
• Fracture, sprain, or other bone, joint or tissue injury
  
• Encephalitis
  
• Hydrocephalus
  
• Hypoglycemia
  
• Iron deficiency anemia
  
• Lead poisoning
  
• Neoplastic disease (cancer)
  
• Pinworm
  
• Viral infection
  
• Sleep disorders
  
• Tay-Sachs or other genetic disease
  
• Drug reaction
  

Home Care
Attempt to soothe the child with usual measures - rocking, cuddling, or whatever the child normally finds soothing. If the child cannot be consoled, consult your health care provider. Observe the child for other symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, rash, or any other unusual finding.