Intestinal Problems in Children
Two common culprits for sudden abdominal pain in kids are appendicitis and intestinal obstructions.
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Appendicitis:
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine.
Causes: Blockage within the appendix, often due to hardened stool, foreign objects, or swollen lymph tissue.
Symptoms: Sudden, sharp pain near the belly button, shifting to the lower right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of hunger, fever, and mild swelling.
Diagnosis: Doctors consider symptoms, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans.
Treatment: Usually involves surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy) to prevent rupture and complications.
Prevention:No specific preventive measures, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Intestinal Obstructions:
Intestinal obstructions are blockages in the small or large intestine preventing food and waste from passing through.
Causes: Adhesions (scar tissue) from previous surgeries, intussusception (telescoping of one bowel segment into another), swallowed objects, birth defects, and tumors.
Symptoms: Abdominal or belly pain, cramping, bloating, vomiting (may contain stool), constipation, diarrhea, inability to pass gas, and abdominal distention.
Diagnosis:Doctors consider symptoms, physical examination, X-rays, and abdominal ultrasounds.
Treatment: Depends on the cause and severity. May involve medications, fluids, nasogastric tube insertion, or surgery to remove the blockage.
Prevention: Balanced diet, adequate hydration, and avoiding swallowing foreign objects, especially in young children.
When to see a doctor:
Visit a General Surgeon for medical attention immediately for-
- Sharp/ reappearing symptoms like severe abdominal/belly pain, especially if accompanied by fever, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or stool.
- Regular well-child visits can help identify potential risks and ensure your child receives timely vaccinations and preventive care.
If you suspect your child is experiencing persistent belly pain, food digestion problems, or any of the above symptoms, don't hesitate to call our expert doctors or book an appointment and seek medical attention at the earliest.