Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
Published on: August 13, 2015
A study of abdominal pain in children
K N Shakya1, U M S Dongol, S B Khadka
1Department of Pediatrics, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, Nepal. nphl@wlink.com.np
Insights
Pediatric abdominal pain in Nepal is mostly due to medical conditions like gastroenteritis. Surgical causes are infrequent but pose diagnostic challenges for clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Abdominal pain is a frequent pediatric emergency presentation in Nepal.
- Understanding the causes and frequency of pediatric abdominal pain is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causes and their frequencies of abdominal pain in children presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.
- To analyze the etiological spectrum of pediatric abdominal pain in the Nepali population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving clinical evaluation and investigations of children with abdominal pain.
- Data collected from patients presenting to the emergency room and pediatric outpatient department over a two-year period.
- Analysis of outcomes for 356 patients who completed investigations and follow-up.
Main Results:
- The cause of abdominal pain was identified in 32.9% of patients.
- Medical causes predominated (91.5%), with diarrheal diseases (28.3%) being the most common.
- Surgical causes accounted for 8.5%, while secondary or extra-abdominal causes were found in 17.1%.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric abdominal pain in Nepal is predominantly caused by medical conditions, particularly gastroenteritis.
- A small proportion of cases require surgical intervention, presenting diagnostic difficulties.
- Further research into the specific etiologies and management strategies for pediatric abdominal pain in the region is warranted.
Abstract:
Pain abdomen is a common pediatric complaint that brings patient to the hospital in Nepal. Knowledge about its etiology and frequency helps in its evaluation and management. The present study was undertaken to find out the causes and their frequency of pain abdomen in Nepali children. Children with pain abdomen presenting at the emergency room and pediatric outpatient department of Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu from January, 2006 to December 2007 were clinically evaluated and investigated to find out the causes and frequency of their pain abdomen. The outcomes were tabulated and analyzed for interpretation. Of 444 patients attended, 356 completed investigations and came for follow up. Cause of pain abdomen was apparent in 117 (32.9%) only. 91.5% were medical causes, comprising predominantly of diarrheal diseases (28.3%), infantile colic (9.4%), urinary tract infection (7.7%) and acid peptic disease (6.8%). 8.5% causes were related to surgical conditions, which needed operative management. Secondary or extra-abdominal causes were found in 20 cases (17.1%). Pneumonia (2), functional (5), vulvovaginitis (2) and infantile colic (11) were predominant causes. Our study showed that the causes of pain abdomen in children were predominantly medical. Gastroenteritis was the most frequent cause. Secondary causes, including functional and emotional causes were infrequent. Small percentage needing surgical management formed a diagnostic challenge.
Related Concept Videos
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
