Diffuse abdominal pains are frequently of unknown etiology and it can be difficult to diagnose the cause. Though, the most common cause of such pains is appendicitis, especially in children between the age of 5 and 20. Appendicitis is also the most frequent surgical emergency at this group of age. The actual cause of appendicitis is the luminal obstruction caused by germs, foreign bodies and fecal corps.
The appendix is a diverticulum of the large intestine more specifically of the cecum. When the lumen becomes obstructed inflammation occurs and the blood flow is interrupted causing the organ to die; this is why infection and irritation occur due to an increased growth of bacteria. The most common symptoms of appendicitis in older children and adults are pain in the iliac fossa, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
Smaller children are usually unable to relate their exact symptoms and also the signs of appendicitis at this age are rather difficult to diagnose. Children can show additional symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, chills or dysuria. The initial diagnose can be established when medical history of the patient is known and also after a more precise physical examination. Surgeon usually appeal to further diagnose methods to make a certain diagnose of appendicitis.
The value of an increased number of white blood cells has proved to be an indicator for the existence of an inflammatory process inside the abdomen. Fever can sometimes indicate appendicitis but in restricted lines as it stands for any kind of inflammatory process inside the body. The reactive C-protein is usually related in the clinic to a perforated appendicitis. The full examination of liver, bladder and kidneys is useful for the differential diagnose with bowel obstruction, ileus or pneumo-peritonitis. Computer tomography and ultrasonography are additional investigations and in some cases can offer vital information.
Para clinical investigation methods can help preventing a misdiagnose followed by an unnecessary appendicectomy or can prevent a late diagnose leading to perforation. To prevent pre- and postoperatory complications and infections, children will be administered with antibiotics for common and less common types of germs. The administration of painkillers in suspicion of appendicitis can lead to dangerous follow-ups as they can easily mask the painful symptoms vital for the detection of appendicitis.
Today, the laparoscopic surgery seems to be the most efficient and safe method to cure appendicitis. It increase the ease of the procedure, reduces scars, decreases the necessary hospitalization time and helps the patient return to its normal activities earlier than after classical intervention.
Chest pain isn't just a problem for adults. It may occur in a child as well. It rarely is due to cardiac disease. Chest pain is the presenting complaint in 6 per 1,000 children. Chest pain has a variety of sources, and virtually any structure in the chest can cause pain. This includes the lungs, the ribs, the chest wall muscles, the diaphragm, and the joints between the ribs and breastbone. Injury, infection, or irritation to any of these tissues can be responsible for chest pain. The most common source of chest pain in children is “musculo-skeletal “. The chest wall has many ribs and each of these ribs attach to the sternum or breastbone in the front of the chest by means of joints. Each rib also has three sets of muscles associated with it. Chest wall pain usually is described as sharp or stabbing.
There are some rare noncardiac reasons for chest pain. These include Sickle cell anemia, Pneumothorax, pneumonia, asthma and very rarely chest tumors such as lymphomas. Cardiac disease is a rare cause of chest pain in children. Children who have severe, persistent cough, asthma, or pneumonia may complain of chest pain due to overuse of chest wall muscles. Some children may complain of chest pain with exercise due to exercise-induced asthma. Stress or anxiety can precipitate chest pain in both boys and girls. Gastroesophageal reflux disorder is more likely to happen if your child's been lying down. Injury to the muscles and bones of the chest wall can have many causes. Some are obvious such as a direct blow during a sporting event or a fall. Other less obvious causes include heavy lifting.
Acid reflux can cause stomach or chest pain. It sometimes manifests as a burning sensation below the sternum. Chest pain that can be accompanied by an irregular heart rhythm or pounding, dizziness, that is made worse by exercising, and that may cause fainting. Heat and an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve symptoms. Do not give aspirin to your child without consulting your doctor first. Apply local heat for 20 minutes 4 times a day. Use a heating pad or warm washcloth to the area.Daily, gentle stretching exercises of the shoulders and chest wall in sets of 10 twice daily can prevent recurrence of these chest pains. Stretching exercises can be continued even during active chest pain. Avoid any that increase the pain.
Chest Pain In Children Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Apply local heat for 20 minutes 4 times a day.
2. Use a heating pad or warm washcloth to the area.
3. Stretching exercises can be continued even during active chest pain.
4. An anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve symptoms.
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