124
FAMILY ILLNESS
Abdominal pain( children)
For adults and children over 12, see p. 120 Many children suffer from abdominal pain at some time, and some children have recurrent episodes. Usually, the cause is not serious, and the pain subsides in a few hours without treatment. In rare cases, abdominal pain is a symptom of a serious disorder that requires prompt medical attention.
START
Does your child have severe pain in either of the following places?
Groin
Scrotum
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! Your child may have a strangulated hernia or a testis that is twisted within the scrotum.
• Do not allow your child to eat or drink.
! Danger signs
Dial 911 or call an ambulance if your child’ s abdominal pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
• Greenish yellow vomit.
• Pain in the groin or scrotum.
• Blood in the feces.
• Pain has been continuous for more than 4 hours.
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! Your child may have a serious abdominal condition, such as appendicitis.
• Do not allow your child to eat or drink.
Neither
Does your child have any of the following?
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! If your child is under 5 years, he or she may have intussusception( a rare condition causing an intestinal obstruction). In older children, the cause of these symptoms may be food poisoning.
• Do not allow your child to eat or drink.
Continuous pain for more than 4 hours
Blood in the feces
Greenish yellow vomit
None of the above
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! Your child may have an obstruction of the intestine.
• Do not allow your child to eat or drink.
Does your child have diarrhea?
No diarrhea
Diarrhea