Abdominal pain is a common symptom, often caused by heatstroke or food poisoning, and typically resolves with rest within a few days. However, certain types of abdominal pain require serious attention, especially in children. Parents should take these cases seriously. Below, we explore key information about abdominal pain.
What Causes Abdominal Pain in Children?
1. Acute Inflammation of Abdominal Organs
Includes acute gastritis, acute enteritis, acute pancreatitis, acute hemorrhagic necrotizing enteritis, acute cholecystitis, etc.
2. Obstruction or Distension of Hollow Organs
Such as intestinal obstruction, biliary tract stones, biliary ascariasis, urinary tract stone obstruction, etc.
3. Organ torsion or rupture
Includes intestinal volvulus, intestinal strangulation, mesenteric or omental torsion, ovarian torsion, liver rupture, and ectopic pregnancy rupture.
4. Peritoneal inflammation
Primarily caused by gastrointestinal perforation, with a minority being spontaneous peritonitis.
5. Intra-abdominal vascular obstruction
Such as ischemic bowel disease, aortic dissection, etc.
6. Abdominal wall disorders
Including abdominal wall contusions, abscesses, and abdominal wall herpes zoster.
7. Referred abdominal pain from thoracic conditions
Such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, acute pericarditis, pleurisy, or hiatal hernia.
8. Abdominal pain from systemic diseases
Such as abdominal-type allergic purpura, uremia, lead poisoning, or porphyria.Location of abdominal pain 1. Right lower quadrant pain Appendicitis should be the primary consideration. If pain begins in the upper abdomen and shifts to the right lower quadrant within hours, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, it typically indicates acute appendicitis.Additionally, consider issues with the small intestine, cecum, or right ureter. If accompanied by frequent urination or hematuria, it may indicate ureteral stones. Women should also be mindful of potential problems with the right ovary or fallopian tube.