Some Opportunistic Infections caused by AIDS can cause pain. Children rarely lie about pain, but many physicians are very hesitant to prescribe pain medications until the child is near death (some not even then). If your child is in pain, first try to comfort him or her and use over-the-counter medications. However, if you feel that stronger drugs are needed, you should insist that the pediatrician prescribe them. In the situation of a former or current drug-abusing family member, some doctors will refuse pain medications fearing they will be abused by an adult. No study has been done to support or refute this line of thinking. However, discussions with parents and experienced HIV pediatricians indicate that mothers and fathers will rarely abuse medications while denying their child relief from pain! If you feel another family member or friend may not have the same respect for your child's comfort, then take appropriate precautions to prevent misuse.