The most obvious symptoms of intestinal obstruction in 8-year-old children

Intestinal obstruction is a serious digestive system disease. When an 8-year-old child has intestinal obstruction, the most obvious symptoms are usually severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and abdominal distension. If parents find that their children have frequent abdominal discomfort, are unable to defecate, or have abdominal distension, they must seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying the condition. According to different symptoms, staged management can be carried out from diagnosing the cause to specific treatment methods.

1. Abdominal pain: the most typical early symptom

The first symptom of intestinal obstruction is abdominal pain, which is usually paroxysmal, and manifested by the child crying intermittently and holding the stomach in discomfort. This type of abdominal pain is generally caused by severe spasms due to intestinal obstruction. If the cause of intestinal obstruction is serious or the time is prolonged, the pain may continue to worsen and become continuous severe pain.

Parents are advised to observe the duration and frequency of their children's abdominal pain, and pay attention to whether there are other symptoms. If there is obvious local pain or abnormal performance, the child should be taken to the nearest hospital immediately. Common preliminary examinations include abdominal X-ray, B-ultrasound or CT, which can clearly determine whether it is intestinal obstruction.

2. Vomiting and eating disorders

Intestinal obstruction is often accompanied by recurrent vomiting, especially when the obstruction is located at a higher position, which is more likely to cause severe vomiting. The vomitus may initially be gastric contents, and then may contain bile or even fecal secretions, indicating that the intestinal obstruction is more serious. The child will refuse to eat due to nausea or abdominal distension.

Parents need to record the number of times their children vomit, as well as the color and smell of the vomit; in such cases, they should closely monitor their children's body fluid and electrolyte balance. Ways to alleviate vomiting include taking intravenous fluids to supplement nutrition after seeing a doctor, and choosing a treatment plan based on the doctor's advice after the electrolytes in the body stabilize.

3. Abdominal distension, constipation or abnormal bowel movements

Because the intestinal contents cannot pass smoothly, most children will experience abdominal distension, accompanied by a hardened abdomen, and even visible intestinal shape (the intestinal tube appears in the abdomen due to bloating). At the same time, intestinal obstruction can also cause bowel movements and even gas to stop completely.

Parents are advised to touch their children's abdomen with their hands and pay attention to whether there is abnormal severe bloating. If a clear hard mass is touched, it may also indicate that the obstruction is getting worse, and they should immediately seek medical attention for professional examination. For example, the doctor may use abdominal auscultation to find weakened or absent bowel sounds, which are typical signs of obstruction.

Treatment and recovery advice

Treatments for intestinal obstruction in children include conservative treatment and surgical treatment, and individualized plans can be developed based on the cause and severity of symptoms:

1. Fasting and intestinal decompression: In case of mild obstruction, fasting and gastrointestinal decompression (insertion of a gastric tube) can relieve pressure at the obstruction site and help the intestines resume peristalsis.

2. Intravenous fluids and medications: Replenish water and nutrition through intravenous injection, cooperate with antibiotics to prevent infection, and use antispasmodics to relieve pain when necessary.

3. Surgical treatment: More severe obstruction requires surgery as soon as possible. Common methods include resection of the diseased intestinal segment, removal of adhesions, or repair of congenital abnormalities.

Once intestinal obstruction is diagnosed, early treatment and scientific management are essential. With timely medical treatment and treatment, most children can fully recover. Abdominal pain, vomiting or abnormal abdominal distension should not be ignored. Parents are advised to pay close attention to their children's condition and go to the hospital immediately if intestinal obstruction is suspected.