Abdominal Pain in Children

One of the main reasons that parents take their children to emergency care is abdominal pain and the diagnosis of this is challenging for doctor and parents.

The reason behind a Childs abdominal pain ranges from trivial till threatening of life. One good thing is most of the time that this pain gets cured quickly in children. A major difficulty for parents lies in deciding which complaints require emergency care.

Infections: Abdominal pain may be caused by viruses or bacteria just as in stomach flu or gastroenteritis. Bacterial infections might at times require an antibiotic to get back to normal stage where as Viral infections disappear swiftly.

Food related: Stomach flu, food allergies, excess food ingestion and gas production are occurred due to food poisoning which in turn results in bloating and temporary discomfort.

Poisoning: Poisoning ranges from uncomplicated problems like intake of soap to more severe issues like gulping of iron tablets.

Surgical problems: Appendicitis and blockage of the bowels are comprised under surgical problems.

Medical causes: Pain is occurred by the things which are situated outside the abdomen. A child suffering form abdominal pain along with diabetic problems or with widow spider bite can be taken as best example.

Pain is normally identified by the parents in the abdominal area of the child. Facial expressions of pain, curling and sobbing can be noticed in very small children and infants. Teenagers at time might hesitate in letting you know the problem where as kids normally be quick to tell you if something is wrong. But parents must always get clear elucidation of the problem they are facing from the teens. Inquire them about the following:

Duration of the pain: Most of the simple causes of abdominal pain doesn’t last for long and this is the vital thing which should to be in minds of people. Many of us must’ve come across stomach flu or gas pains which lasts just for 12-24 hours. Therefore its always better to contact your doctor for this reason.

Location of the pain: In the center of the abdomen, the majority of pains are identified. And this makes the infant to rub his/her belly button. More concern is to be given for the pain which is felt in the rest of the areas. This is very true incase the pain occurs just beneath non the right side of the abdomen. When pain is occurred in that particular area it’s mostly the appendicitis.

Appearance of child: The child should be immediately taken to doctor in case the child appears to be ill in addition to the pain. The parent may frequently state that the child is very ill whereas pale appearance, sweating or infant who is sleepy are the symptoms for abdominal pain.

Vomiting: Due to abdominal pain infants often vomit which is not a severe problem. Vomiting occurred due to some simple causes along with the pain disappear fast. Her too the same rule is applicable i.e. 12-24 hours, a doctor can be called upon.

Nature of vomiting: If vomiting is in yellow or green in color in toddlers or young children its always better to consult your doctor. When vomiting seem to have any blood or any kind of dark stuff its always better to consult doctor regardless of age.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea is very familiar disease which is caused by virus. It normally for 1-3 days but in certain cases it may sustain for more days. If there is any blood in stool then its always better to seek doctors help.

Fever: Fever is not at all a severe problem where as at times normal temperature results to bigger problems resulting in abdominal pain.

Groin Pain: This is a severe problem which makes the kid to portray as abdominal pain. Groin pain is known for testicular torsion where a testicle twists on itself and results in      cut-off of blood supply. Its always better to your child as the child may definitely feel awkward to state the location. This problem can easily be overcome if the child is undergoing the treatment at the earliest. Hence its good to consult your doctor if the child complains about any pain in the groin area.

Urine problem: Any difficulty in urinating, like painful or often urination related with abdominal pain points out that its due to infection and such child suffering from this should be immediately taken to doctor.

Rash: Abdominal pains occur along with rashes which turn to be a serious problem. When a child is facing both the problems at a time then its time for the caregiver to contact their doctor.

Many potential causes covers different organ systems, each with a distinct set of tests in children facing abdominal pain. A thorough history and physical exam is conducted by doctor which comprises a rectal exam to calculate for the blood. Based on this information doctor can order for further tests.

• Blood test will be taken and also urine sample will also be taken and sent for urinalysis and culture.
• To have check for blood, bacteria, or parasites a stool sample might be taken.
• In order to examine the abdomen X-rays may be taken.

                * Ultrasound of the abdomen/testicles 

                *  CT scan of the abdomen

• Depending on the Childs situation special tests like barium enema or swallow, anal manometry, or a pelvic exam, may be taken.
• A gastroenterologist or even a pediatric surgeon who are specialist can be consulted.

|Self-Care at Home|

A caregiver ought to always examine their children and seek doctor’s treatment at the right time. Always keep an eye on the child’s condition unless they become better. Teen at times may be very lethargic but yet should be taken for checkup.

Rest: Complete rest will also reduce the abdominal pain and the child will also be benefited to a great extent due to complete rest. Though lying face down may help in relieving the gas pain, the best position is what the child feels the best for him/her.

Rest: A child with active abdominal pain often will benefit from resting. Lying face down may help relieve gas pain, but the best position to lie in is the one that feels best to the child.

Diet: Generally people cannot survive without any liquid stuff but can be without solid foods. It may take time for dehydration hence its not essential to force fluids always. A child will not be able to take more amount of liquids if the child is suffering from continuous vomiting. Until child can handle with the liquid stuffs, doctors recommend the parents to give just 2-3ounces.

Fluids to give: Parent must not give their child water or boiled milk as it would cause severe problem with the salt in their body. Normally doctors suggest some juices or many dehydration liquids like Pedialyte which can be bought in the stores. As soon as possible get the child to their regular feedings. Juices, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade, soups, and broth are comprised for older children which is the better choice. Incase young children ask for cool drinks shun them with caffeine.

Solid Foods: Normally child will let the parent to know when its time to intake solid stuff. Start them gradually and incase they tolerate the feedings advance to habitual foods.

Medications: In order to reduce the fever one can always give the child acetaminophen. But many doctors avoid aspirin in giving to children. Its always better not to use any antibiotics until its given by the doctor. Normally physicians don’t suggest any herbal medicines or other home medications. Ensure that you tell your doctor incase you use any of the home or herbal medicines as it might affect the treatment.

|Medical Treatment|

Based on the history, physical, lab results the treatment will be given to the child. A simple treatment may be given to the child like sending the child home with some directives for rest and the diet and can also be extensive as hospital admission and surgery.

|Outlook|

The abdominal pain which has been noticed and treated early on the whole gets a better diagnosis. Life might be threatening if the pain is not diagnosed and untreated. Therefore if the child is ill the parent should take them to the pediatrician and ensure that your child gets perfect treatment.