CONDITIONS
Abdominal Pain
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is experienced in the stomach and/or abdominal area and is a common problem for most children. Also called stomach pain, abdominal pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the intensity of the pain and its underlying cause.
What are the causes?
The cause of abdominal pain depends on where the discomfort radiates from.
A few of the reasons for abdominal pain are:
- Constipation
- Lymph node Enlargement aka lymphadenitis
- Indigestion (Pain in the upper part of the abdomen)
- Appendicitis(Pain on the lower, right section of the abdomen)
- Pancreatitis (Pain in the mid-upper abdomen)
- Gallstones (Pain in the upper, right side of the abdomen)
- Gastroenteritis
How do children get it?
The most common cause of abdominal pain is constipation and lymph node enlargement, aka mesenteric-adenitis, another common cause is gastroenteritis. The build-up of gallstones in the other gallbladder causes biliary colic pain or inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis.
What are the symptoms?
- Abdominal pain/ cramps
- Nausea (appendicitis)
- No appetite
- Diarrhoea or constipation
What does a diagnosis entail?
An abdominal x-ray or abdominal ultrasound is the most common test. Sometimes a CT scan or MRI scan is required.
Your paediatrician may diagnose gastroenteritis by the history given. A stool test may reveal the virus responsible for tummy pain.
How do you treat abdominal pain?
Treatment depends on the cause: e.g., constipation requires laxatives, Mesenteric –Adenitis may require paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Take note of your child’s diet and make healthy changes to avoid abdominal pain.
Viral gastroenteritis is treatable through fluids, electrolyte replenishment and bed rest. Children who cannot tolerate fluids and vomit or have frequent runny stools need to be rushed to the hospital immediately.
Diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain ensures treatment can begin soon. Treatment depends on the cause of your child’s stomach pain.
What does prevention for abdominal pain entail?
Preventing gastroenteritis entails receiving the Rotavirus vaccination and washing hands regularly. Prepare well-cooked meat or eggs to prevent children from consuming contaminated meals.
Takeaway
The most common cause is constipation and lymph node enlargement. Other causes are indigestion, abdominal pain could be a sign of a more severe condition such as appendicitis, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis or gastroenteritis. Symptoms of abdominal pain are nausea, diarrhoea or constipation and a lack of an appetite. Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the cause of the pain. Antacids relieve abdominal pain due to indigestion. Fluid and electrolyte replenishment treat viral gastroenteritis, which is one of the leading causes of stomach pain. Avoiding greasy food high in cholesterol prevents the formation of gallstones and alleviates gallbladder pain.
Disclaimer
This information is for educative purposes only and is meant to be read by parents after their child has seen their medical practitioner.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Any of the following symptoms warrant a visit to the emergency room immediately:
Severe pain not improving with simple measures, e.g. paracetamol.
Frequent constipation.
Excessive vomiting or blood in vomiting.
Traces of blood in the stool
Severe pain with fever (Appendicitis).
Stomach pain that returns even after treatment
Painful urination
Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Cough and high fever
Dehydration
For these warning signs, seek urgent medical attention.
DO NOT DELAY CARE
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What is a paediatrician?
A paediatrician is a doctor who has specialised in medical care for children from birth to their teenage years. Paediatricians diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions in children, ranging from allergies, infections and injuries to behavioural and learning problems.