Fear of needles happens mostly in children. Hence, it is because the feeling of something getting into their skin is new for them. Also, children are very sensitive to pain. However, it is not only children who can have this kind of fear. This fear is also known as trypanophobia, and adults can also develop it later in life. In some cases, children with this fear carry as they grow old. Therefore, the fear becomes very serious during that time.
1. Possible Causes of the Fear
The main reason for the fear is not yet clear. Also, it is not clear why some have it, and some don’t. However, there are many different instances that can lead to having a fear of needles.
- Bad experience during childhood.
- A family member with a phobia or is very scared of needles.
- Changes inside the brain.
- Other childhood fears can turn into a phobia of needles.
- Other health conditions that make a person easily feel pain.
- Learning about wrong information.
2. Other Causes of Fear
If you talk to a doctor about your fear, they will give you several explanations like:
- The feeling of needles into the skin, in general, is not a good experience for anyone.
- A child having a hard time understanding the situation.
- Relatives are saying bad things about needles, like “you might catch a disease from it.”
- A child is seeing an older relative having a shot and pass away after it.
- Bad news after while having a shot or blood test
- Passing out during the procedure
- Worrying that something bad might happen during the procedure
3. Possible Signs
Having signs before, during, and after any procedure with needles can decrease a person’s quality of life. Hence, some signs are very serious that it becomes unbearable for the person. Therefore, signs will quickly show after hearing a procedure with needles. Signs will come out even before seeing any needle. By just imagining it, a person can suffer from serious signs like:
- Anxiety
- Passing out
- Heavy and cold sweating
- Dizziness
- Lack of sleep
- High blood pressure
- Fast heartbeat
- Being violent
- Running away from the situation
4. How is it diagnosed?
Furthermore, the phobia of needles must not be lightly treated. It can stop you from receiving medical attention and care. Therefore, one can become seriously ill if they keep on avoiding needles.
First, the doctor will do a physical exam to know your health condition. Afterward, they will ask you to see a therapist. Hence, it is good to answer questions about your health history and past experiences. Also, the specialist will ask about your signs. The doctor will tell you if it is trypanophobia if it stops you from doing important activities in your life.
5. Possible Issues
Having this fear may give you a lot of stressful events that can happen at any time. Hence, the worst thing that can happen is avoiding a medical procedure. A person who is sick and has this fear is in danger. It is because they avoid any procedure that has to do with needles. Therefore, it is very hard for them to receive proper medical treatment. As a result, it can lead to more serious health issues and even death.
6. Other Risks Involve
Having this fear as a healthy person is not good, but it is worse for some people. Therefore, your health is at risk if you belong to:
- people who need surgery because of health issue
- those who are sick and needs medicine through the use of a needle
- children who need an injection to stay away from different illnesses
- elderly who need to injection to get well
- pregnant women who will give birth and need pain killer that involves needles
- cancer patients who usually go through procedures with needles
- people who want to get a job and need to go through a medical exam
- those who are working inside a hospital where there are lots of needles
If you think that you cannot stay away from needles your whole life, it is better to ask for professional help.
