Symptom 8: Irritability – A Clear Sign of Discomfort
For any caregiver, seeing their lively child morph into a constantly irritable being can be unsettling. With HFMD, this irritability isn’t just about mood swings. It’s a tangible expression of the discomfort and malaise the child is experiencing.
Several factors contribute to this heightened irritability. The physical discomfort, be it from the blisters, sore throat, or headaches, is one aspect. Add to that the fatigue, the confinement due to illness, and the inability to express or even understand their suffering, and you get a cocktail of reasons for the child’s irritability.
Patience is the key. Understanding that the irritability stems from genuine distress can help caregivers respond with empathy. Distractions, be it a favorite toy, a soothing lullaby, or even just some cuddling, can work wonders.
While the illness might disrupt the child’s daily routine, trying to maintain some semblance of it can offer comfort. Familiar activities, even if they’re done in smaller durations, can provide a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of the disease.
As the body begins healing and the symptoms of HFMD reduce, so will the episodes of irritability. The child’s return to their cheerful self will be a clear sign that the worst is behind and better days are on the horizon. (8)
