Acute Abdominal Pain

Although acute abdominal pain usually is selflimited, there are serious consequences to overlooking conditions that require surgery. The pediatrician should use the examination to decide if the child is likely to have appendicitis or other surgically treated disease, and when suspicious, consult a surgeon early in the process. Vomiting bile is a sign that requires consultation with a surgeon. If in doubt about the seriousness of the illness, detain the child and perform serial examinations. Ask another physician to provide an opinion because experience is one of the most sensitive tools available for evaluating acute abdominal pain. © 2010 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved.