Pediatric Emergency Care and Abdominal Pain

While many children commonly complain of a tummy ache, there are instances where pediatric emergency care will be needed for severe abdominal pain. If the pain is severe, that could be an indication of appendicitis or some other type of serious problem. It is extremely important that you know when to seek immediate medical help.

Common Causes

Many problems with the intestines or stomach can result in abdominal pain. It can be caused by gas, constipation or diarrhea, or it could be some sort of infection in the urinary tract or bladder that could result in the need for pediatric emergency care. Sometimes it can be the result of more serious conditions like appendicitis. The problem could also simply be due to stress; for example, worrying about an upcoming test or some other type of event.

When Pediatric Emergency Care is a Must

While abdominal pain can typically be eased with rest, you’ll need to bring your child to the nearest emergency center if he or she experiences any of the following:

• A fever
• Pain in one side of the abdomen
• Pain when you press on the belly
• Pain in the testicles
• Recent injury to the abdomen
• Pus or blood in diarrhea or vomit, or green vomit
• Any indications of swelling and bloating in the abdomen
• Severe or increasing pain
• Unusual listlessness, weakness or drowsiness
• An inability to walk

Treating the Problem

Provided the child does not need pediatric emergency care, there are several things you can do at home to help treat milder instances of abdominal pain. Make sure you take the child’s temperature every 4-6 hours, and don’t give the child any fast food, fried food or dairy products until he or she feels better. Keep your child’s diet bland (applesauce, toast, rice, bananas, etc.) if he or she has diarrhea but still feels hungry. Give your child clear fluids to sip on.

Avoiding Abdominal Pain

There are other things that could work if your child tends to experience mild abdominal pain on a regular basis. For instance, make a note of any foods that tend to cause problems, and limit your child’s intake of snacks and sweets. Make sure he or she has plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Also, talk to your child about anything that may be causing anxiety.

The experts with Complete Care are ready to help should your child ever need pediatric emergency care. We have locations throughout Tarrant County as well as in Corpus Christi, El Paso and San Antonio. Contact us at any of our ER locations if you would like to learn more.