Acute abdominal pain in a child: the main causes and symptoms

Unpleasant discomfort in the abdomen is the most common symptom of illness in children. There are a lot of causes of abdominal pain and only a qualified doctor can accurately determine their nature.

Acute pain that occurs in the abdomen of a child may indicate the development of some serious diseases, and therefore requires attention. Sometimes the life of the baby depends on timely diagnosis.

Characteristics of pain

Soreness in the peritoneum can be triggered by various diseases. To determine what caused the pain, it is necessary to find out its nature, intensity, localization. Children, as a rule, with severe pain, lie in uncomfortable positions. They rise or turn very slowly and with care. To determine the cause of discomfort in the abdomen, it is necessary to find out where their epicenter is located.

If the child has cramping pains in the abdomen, the temperature has risen, it is necessary to call a doctor who can determine the cause of the child's ailment. And if, in addition to the above signs, there are blood impurities in the vomit or feces, then you should urgently call an ambulance.

The main signs of the disease

Consider the symptoms indicating the development of a serious pathology in the child's body:

• acute pain;
• not relieving vomiting;
• tension of the muscles of the peritoneum;
• fainting state;
• blood impurities in vomit or stool;
• prolonged diarrhea or prolonged constipation.

If any of the above signs appear, you need to call emergency help. It is necessary to inform the team whether operations were performed, whether the baby suffers from chronic diseases.

The main causes of acute pain

Abdominal pain can indicate the development of various diseases.
Sometimes, both the health of the child and his life depend on the speed of assistance. What diseases cause abdominal pain and require emergency medical attention?

Acute appendicitis

A fairly common disease that occurs among children. When the first signs of appendicitis appear, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a surgeon in order to avoid complications.

Signs of appendicitis in young children:

• pain in the umbilical or epigastric zone;
• repeated vomiting;
• dyspnea;
• elevated temperature;
• diarrhea, possibly with an admixture of mucus;
• catarrhal symptoms may appear.

In older children, the pain moves to the iliac zone on the right, there is tension in the abdominal muscles. Diverticulitis also occurs with similar signs.

Gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis

These pathologies occur in children of any age. In infants, gastroenteritis can develop rapidly and provoke sepsis.

Symptoms of pathologies:

1. Abdominal pain.
2. Temperature rise.
3. Nausea as well as vomiting.
4. Appetite problems.

The child's condition is rapidly deteriorating. Severe diseases occur at a younger age and carry dangerous consequences. If symptoms appear, consult a specialist.

The so-called volvulus occurs at any age, however, more often in infants and caused by infectious diseases. This disease is characterized by an acute onset and an undulating course. Periodic cramping pains in the peritoneum are observed, not dependent on the use of food. After 6 hours, stools with impurities of blood or mucus may occur.

It is necessary to seek help in a timely manner, this will help to avoid surgery.

Acute pancreatitis

There are acute pains in the upper part of the peritoneum or in the umbilical zone, as well as a decrease in pressure. At children at younger age the acetonemic syndrome can be observed. The disease is dangerous with complications, so it is recommended to consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

pyloric stenosis

This disease provokes food obstruction and is usually diagnosed at 4-6 weeks of age.

The child has:

• bouts of pain;
• after each feeding gushing vomiting.

If symptoms appear, a surgeon should be consulted. Treatment of this pathology is only surgical.

Perforation of peptic ulcer

This condition is characterized by acute pain, the skin turns pale, the pulse quickens, the child is covered with cold sweat. In some situations, the baby may lose consciousness.

You need to call an ambulance. Until the doctors arrive, the child needs to be laid down and his legs slightly raised. Be sure to control the pulse, as well as the frequency of breathing.

Peritonitis

It is the most dangerous disease that provokes acute pain in the peritoneum. It usually develops rapidly and, if the necessary treatment is not provided, can be fatal.

Peritonitis is more often a complication of any of the above diseases and occurs with the following symptoms:

• Sudden pain in the abdomen that gets worse all the time.
• Strong tension in the abdominal muscles.
• Increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure.
• Rapidly rising fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.

For peritonitis, the development of dehydration and sepsis is typical.

Of course, these are not all the causes of abdominal pain in a child. But in all cases, it is necessary to diagnose the exact cause of their occurrence in a timely manner in order to avoid serious complications.