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What Causes Stomach Pain That Is Relieved Post Defecation?
Question: Hi my 8y/o is having stomach pains and I cannot decide if it is constipation or appendicitis.
It started a while ago, not sure when he woke me up earlier. He had a bowel movement and then fell back to sleep and felt better and now is hurting again. His stomach is painful on both sides and he doesn't want me to touch it. He says it hurts more on L side than R, but touching both sides is painful. Feels nauseous. Headache. I did give him a heat pack and he says it helps. I tried to clockwise massage stomach and lift legs up and he tells me to stop since it makes it hurt more.
Thanks XXXXXXX
It started a while ago, not sure when he woke me up earlier. He had a bowel movement and then fell back to sleep and felt better and now is hurting again. His stomach is painful on both sides and he doesn't want me to touch it. He says it hurts more on L side than R, but touching both sides is painful. Feels nauseous. Headache. I did give him a heat pack and he says it helps. I tried to clockwise massage stomach and lift legs up and he tells me to stop since it makes it hurt more.
Thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
As discussed in details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query about your son.
To recapitulate: Male/8 - pain in abdomen started a while ago - woke you up - had BM - felt better and slept - hurting again - pain and tender both sides - L>R - nausea - headache - heat pack helped - clockwise massage and lift legs - tell to stop...
My thoughts as per the history you have provided.
The most proabable causes are:
- colitis as there is pain on both sides of abdomen
- Mesenteric Lymph node enlargement
- Nausea can be a reflex activity.
- Headache indicates there may be an active bacterial infection but not sufficient to cause diarrhea, vomiting or fever.
- Appendicitis looks not likely as there is pain and tenderness on both sides.
I would advise you the following:
Clinical evaluation, examination by a Doctor so that the exact signs can be elicited.
High resolution of ultrasound can help to tell the possible cause.
Tests of blood, urine and stool.
These can lead to the most proper diagnosis and plan for a proper management.
Till then keep him on liquids only.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
As discussed in details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query about your son.
To recapitulate: Male/8 - pain in abdomen started a while ago - woke you up - had BM - felt better and slept - hurting again - pain and tender both sides - L>R - nausea - headache - heat pack helped - clockwise massage and lift legs - tell to stop...
My thoughts as per the history you have provided.
The most proabable causes are:
- colitis as there is pain on both sides of abdomen
- Mesenteric Lymph node enlargement
- Nausea can be a reflex activity.
- Headache indicates there may be an active bacterial infection but not sufficient to cause diarrhea, vomiting or fever.
- Appendicitis looks not likely as there is pain and tenderness on both sides.
I would advise you the following:
Clinical evaluation, examination by a Doctor so that the exact signs can be elicited.
High resolution of ultrasound can help to tell the possible cause.
Tests of blood, urine and stool.
These can lead to the most proper diagnosis and plan for a proper management.
Till then keep him on liquids only.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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