Patient's question:
My daughter is now over 4 years old. She has been experiencing stomach pain for half a year. The Kunshan Hospital and Shanghai Children's Hospital have both performed ultrasounds, which showed no issues (the ultrasound fee at Shanghai Children's Hospital on May 2nd, seen by Dr. Jing Hong in the Internal Medicine Department, was 220 yuan). Some medication was prescribed to regulate her condition, but she still experiences stomach pain after returning home.The reason for the visit was stomach pain caused by abnormal bowel movements. The baby's bowel movement frequency is 2-3 days (dry and small in amount).
On May 7th, the baby had 4 bowel movements, which were loose and dark in color. I'm wondering if it's due to catching a cold or the effect of the medication. Thank you.
Doctor's answer:
1. There are many reasons for abdominal pain in children of this age, the most common being intestinal cramps, enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes, intestinal peristalsis before defecation, and so on. However, there are also some problematic conditions, such as intussusception (which can only be diagnosed or ruled out with an ultrasound during pain). So if the pain is not severe and can be tolerated, and there is no impact on eating and growth, it can be left alone.2. Sit-ups strengthen the abdominal muscles and have nothing to do with the intestines.
3. If the abdominal pain is unbearable, the duration of each episode is long, or it affects growth and eating, further examination is needed, including CT scans, gastroscopy, etc.