Pediatric Abdominal Pain Assessment

A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.

A test that measures the acidity (pH) in the esophagus over time.

A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, but with frequent drops in pH below 4.

A medical procedure using a special dye to visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

A type of metabolic alkalosis (increased blood pH) where the body loses too much acid, often due to vomiting. This can lead to low levels of sodium and potassium in the blood.

An abnormal narrowing of the pyloric sphincter, the muscle that controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

A wave-like movement that can be observed in the abdomen during a physical exam, indicating normal stomach muscle activity.

A physical exam finding in pyloric stenosis where a hard, olive-shaped mass can be felt in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

A condition where pain is worse before or relieved by defecation, often accompanied by symptoms like loose, mucousy stools, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete defecation.

An intestinal disorder characterized by frequent bouts of constipation alternating with normal or loose stools.

A condition marked by pain in the absence of other symptoms, potentially caused by a urinary tract infection.

A potential cause of abdominal pain in children and adults, often associated with abdominal pain, bloating, and digestive issues.

A disorder that can be accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

A condition in which the lining of the stomach is inflamed, potentially leading to discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen.

A bacterium that infects the stomach, potentially causing gastritis, ulcers, and other digestive problems.

A common condition in children and adults, associated with frequent bouts of abdominal pain, often in the upper abdomen, typically relieved by eating.

A medical condition that presents with symptoms similar to gastroenteritis, but is caused by a different underlying issue.

A life-threatening bacterial infection that spreads throughout the bloodstream.

Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into itself.

A serious condition that occurs when the lining of the intestines dies.

A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar and ketones.

A syndrome caused by a bacteria that destroys red blood cells and causes kidney damage.

Intussusception most commonly occurs in children between the ages of 3 months and 2 years old.

The signs and symptoms of intussusception often come and go. They include: sudden, intense pain in the abdomen, vomiting, passing red, jelly-like stool, and a lump that can be felt in the abdomen.

Intussusception is considered a medical emergency because it can cut off the blood supply to the affected part of the intestine, leading to tissue damage.

A lead point is a small piece of tissue or a polyp that can trigger the intestines to slide into each other.

Intussusception can be diagnosed using imaging tests, such as abdominal ultrasound or X-ray. Ultrasound can show a target or doughnut-shaped pattern in the affected area.

Intussusception can often be treated by a procedure called rectal air insufflation. This involves gently pushing air into the rectum to help push the intestines back into place.

If intussusception is not treated promptly, it can lead to complications like bowel obstruction, gangrene, and surgery.

A condition in children marked by frequent, recurring abdominal pain, often with no identifiable cause, and may be linked to changes in bowel motility.

A misconception that recurrent abdominal pain in children is primarily caused by psychological factors.

A disorder affecting both children and adults, causing abdominal pain linked to abnormal gut motility and heightened sensitivity to internal sensations.

The belief that recurrent abdominal pain in children is often unrelated to psychological factors, with studies showing no significant differences between children with RAP and control groups.

A possibility that stress can contribute to recurrent abdominal pain in children, potentially through altered bowel motility.

A vicious cycle where anxiety about abdominal pain leads to escalating pain, causing distress for the child and family, and prompting more invasive investigations.

A key goal when managing recurrent abdominal pain is to rule out any serious underlying causes without subjecting the child to unnecessary testing.

A key point in managing recurrent abdominal pain is to reassure both the child and their parents, ensuring comfort and understanding.

Sodium is actively transported from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream, primarily using a glucose-sodium co-transporter. This process harnesses the energy from glucose absorption to drive sodium uptake.

Active sodium pumping from intestinal cells into the bloodstream creates an electrochemical gradient that drives water movement from the gut into the bloodstream.

An alternative way of sodium absorption involves an active sodium-hydrogen exchanger, where sodium enters the cell while hydrogen ions are ejected out.

Combining sodium and glucose in oral solutions enhances both sodium and water absorption in the intestines, even in the presence of inflammation.

Oral Hydration Solution (ORS) replenishes fluid and electrolytes lost during diarrhoea, but it does not stop the diarrhoea itself.

Rapid decreases in plasma sodium concentration can lead to water shifting into brain cells, resulting in seizures and cerebral oedema.

Slow and gradual sodium reduction is crucial to prevent complications associated with rapid water shifts into the brain.

ORS therapy is not recommended for all cases of diarrhoea, particularly in infants under 6 months, malnourished or immunocompromised children, or specific bacterial or protozoal infections.