A Needle-Free Option for Kids With Injection Anxiety
For children who fear needles, a trip to the emergency room can be frightening enough without the prospect of an injection. New research suggests a nasal spray could offer another way to manage pain for children with injuries while avoiding a needle.
The study involved 152 children ages 1 to 17 experiencing moderate to severe pain from injuries including fractures, dislocations, burns and soft-tissue injuries. The nasal spray combined two pain medications, sufentanil and ketamine, with doses adjusted according to each child’s weight.
After 15 minutes, 54% of the children reported less pain, while 88% experienced reduced pain after 30 minutes. Researchers also reported that 86.2% had their pain reduced by approximately half after 30 minutes, with side effects including nausea, dizziness and nasal itching described as mild.
What Parents Should Know About Needle Fear
Fear of injections is common among children and can sometimes become severe enough to interfere with medical care. CHOC reports that approximately 40% of children worldwide under age 12 and 20% of adolescents experience a fear-driven physical or emotional response to needles.
That fear can involve more than simply disliking a shot. Some children experience sweating, nervousness or a strong vasovagal response that can cause dizziness, fainting, increased heart rate or heart palpitations.
Dr. Amy Morse, a pediatric psychologist at CHOC, explains that needle fear can develop through classical conditioning, when a child associates an earlier painful experience with needles generally. “As a child, I had needle phobia and always chose to look away,” Morse says, noting that she still does so today.
How Parents Can Make Shots Less Scary
Parents can give children a greater sense of control by offering simple choices, such as whether to look at the needle or look away. Distraction through a favorite video, song, story or game can also help redirect attention during the procedure.
The CDC recommends explaining what children can expect using calm, simple language. Rather than promising that a shot will not hurt, parents can explain that their child may feel a quick “pinch” or “poke” that goes away quickly.
Comfort can also come from familiar objects, physical closeness and breathing exercises. As the CDC advises, “Speaking calmly helps to reassure your child,” making a parent’s own demeanor an important part of helping kids manage injection anxiety.
