Abdominal pain (peds)

For adult patients see Abdominal pain

Background

  • Bilious emesis is a surgical emergency until proven otherwise

Clinical Features

  • Abdominal pain
  • May be associated with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Fever may be present in pain from infectious etiology

Differential Diagnosis

Pediatric Abdominal Pain

0–3 Months Old

3 mo–3 y old

3 y old–adolescence

Evaluation

  • Urinalysis, hCG
  • CBC
  • Chemistry
  • Possible imaging:
    • Ultrasound
      • Appropriate for intussusception, ovarian/testicular, GB, IUP, appy
    • CT
      • May be associated with 1/1,000 lifetime risk of malignancy

Abd xray

Abdominal plain xray films are specific, but not sensitive. As such, they have very little utility in the workup of pediatric abdominal pain, unless concerned for a foreign body. Do NOT use films to "confirm" a diagnosis of "constipation," as this is not specific and may also be found in cases of surgical emergencies (e.g. appendicitis).

Management

  • Based on diagnosis

Disposition

  • Treat underlying etiology
  • Most patients go home after successful resolution of symptoms.
  • No un-diagnosed and continued pain should be discharged home.

See Also

References

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