One of a parent's worst nightmares can be a child with severe stomach pain, particularly if the child is an infant and cannot communicate adequately. Stomach pain, associated with nausea and vomiting, can be something as simple as a gastrointestinal bug, or it can be a sign of something more serious.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is the inflammation or infection of the appendix, a non-functioning appendage attached to the beginning of the large colon. Appendicitis occurs when bacteria gets trapped in the appendix. Trapped bacteria cause inflammation and irritation of the appendix. If left untreated, the appendix can rupture or perforate. Children with appendicitis may complain of severe abdominal pain, have nausea and vomiting, and be constipated and anorexic for several days. Appendicitis requires emergency treatment.
Intussusception
The folding in of one part of the intestine inside another part of the intestine is called intussusception. The pressure on the inside of the intestine can diminish the blood flow and cause the segment to die. The cause of intussusception is not known, although there is speculation it is the result of viral illness. Intussusception occurs more frequently in boys than girls and usually appears in children from the ages of 6 months to 2 years, according to Medline Plus. However, intussusception can occur at any age. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, shock, bloody mucus like bowel movements, nausea and vomiting.
Pyeloric Stenosis
Pyeloric stenosis is the thickening and narrowing of the end of the stomach where it meets the small intestine. Narrowing prevents the passage of food contents into the small intestine and the child begins to starve. The problem usually presents itself in children between 2 to 8 weeks of age and affects 1 in every 500 to 1,000 births, according to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. There has been no identified cause for this phenomenon. Babies with pyeloric stenosis may present with colicky pain, weight loss, constipation and dehydration. The presentation of projectile vomiting after eating is characteristic of pyeloric stenosis. Because the exit is blocked, any food that is taken in is regurgitated forcefully. Vomit that reaches across a room is not an exaggeration in pyeloric stenosis.
