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Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal Pain in Children Overview

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for a parent to bring his or her child to medical attention. Evaluation of a "tummy ache" can challenge both parents and the physician.

Possible causes for a child's abdominal pain range from trivial to life-threatening, with little difference in the child's complaints. Fortunately, abdominal pain in a child usually improves quickly. Each parent or caregiver faces the difficulty deciding whether a complaint needs emergency care or not.

Abdominal Pain in Children Causes

  • Infections: Viruses or bacteria can cause abdominal pain, typically from stomach flu or gut flu (called gastroenteritis). Viral infections tend to go away quickly, while bacterial infections may need an antibiotic to get better.

  • Food-related: Food poisoning (which has symptoms like those of stomach/gut flu), food allergies, eating excessive food, or gas production – any of these can cause bloating and temporary discomfort.

  • Poisoning: This can range from simple problems, such as eating soap, to more serious issues like swallowing iron pills or an overdose of medications [such as acetaminophen poisoning (Tylenol)].

  • Surgical problems: These include appendicitis and blockage of the bowels.

  • Medical causes: Things outside the abdomen can cause abdominal pain. For example, a child can have abdominal pain from complications of diabetes or from a black widow spider bite.



Next: Abdominal Pain in Children Symptoms »

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Abdominal Pain in Children

Appendicitis Overview

The appendix is a narrow tubular pouch attached to the intestines. When the appendix is blocked, it becomes inflamed and results in the condition known as appendicitis. If the blockage continues, the inflamed tissue becomes infected with bacteria and begins to die from a lack of blood supply, which finally results in the appendix bursting (perforated appendix).

Appendicitis is a common condition that affects 7% of the population, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Persons of any age may be affected, with the highest incidence occurring during the second and third decades of life. Rare cases of neonatal and prenatal appendicitis have been reported. Increased vigilance in recognizing and treating potential cases of appendicitis is required for the very young and old who have a higher rate of complications.

Appendicitis Causes

There is no clear cause of appendicitis. Fecal ...

Read the Appendicitis article »



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