"Why Is My Baby Experiencing Abdominal Pain?"

Understanding and Managing Baby Abdominal Pain

Some babies may encounter abdominal pain, necessitating prompt identification of the cause and targeted treatment post-diagnosis. This discomfort could stem from appendicitis, typically presenting as upper abdominal or umbilical pain. Notably, the pain shifts to the right lower abdomen within 6-8 hours, with this migratory pain being a distinctive feature of appendicitis. Let's delve deeper into the potential causes of abdominal pain in babies.

Causes of Abdominal Pain in Babies

1. Appendicitis: Characterized by pain in the right lower abdomen, appendicitis in children aged 2-3 years may manifest as abdominal pain, significant abdominal distension, vomiting, tenderness throughout the abdomen, reluctance to be touched, and fever exceeding 38°C. Vigilance is crucial in young children, as appendicitis can swiftly progress to perforation and subsequent peritonitis.

2. Intestinal Colic: Another prevalent cause of abdominal pain in children, particularly those around 4-5 years old, intestinal colic accounts for a significant portion of abdominal pain cases in pediatric surgical outpatient departments.

Symptoms and Signs of Appendicitis

The primary symptoms of appendicitis include upper abdominal or umbilical pain, which migrates to the right lower abdomen after 6-8 hours. This migratory pain is diagnostic of appendicitis. Additional symptoms may encompass nausea, vomiting, and fever in severe cases. Untreated appendicitis can lead to complications like abscess formation, infection, and even perforation, resulting in diffuse peritonitis and abdominal pain throughout the abdomen. Hence, immediate medical attention is paramount upon observing these symptoms to avoid treatment delays.

Causes of Appendicitis

The appendix, a continuation of the colon with a closed end, functions as an immune organ during childhood, aiding in infection resistance. However, it becomes non-functional and degenerates in adulthood. Since the appendix is linked to the colon, which stores feces, appendicitis can occur due to colon inflammation or when fecal matter is forced into the appendix under pathological conditions. This inflammation can cause congestion, swelling, and in severe cases, perforation. Consequently, fecal matter may enter the peritoneal cavity, triggering acute peritonitis. It's imperative to seek medical help immediately upon experiencing these symptoms. Before diagnosing appendicitis, urine tests and abdominal ultrasound are crucial to exclude urinary tract stones. For female patients, gynecological consultation is necessary to rule out gynecological disorders. Currently, there is no definitive diagnostic test for appendicitis, and diagnosis relies heavily on the clinician's experience.