Symptoms and Causes of Infant Colic That Require Urgent Medical Attention

The stomachache is a very common complaint in the youngest age group, particularly among newborns and infants. Parents often find it challenging to understand what their baby’s crying might mean, as it is not always a sign of hunger or stomach pain. Infant communication can often be confusing, and there can be numerous factors behind the crying.

The little ones’ crying usually indicates that something is wrong with their comfort, and they try to signal this to their environment with their loud expressions. One possible cause of crying can be stomach pain, during which the baby may feel tension in their abdomen. It is especially important to pay attention to how the baby reacts after feeding, as intense crying and a tense belly may indicate stomachache.

Parents should be aware of the signs of stomach pain, as these can indicate more serious health issues. In the case of stomach pain in newborns and infants, parents need to be particularly vigilant, as the signs can change rapidly, and the situation may become urgent. In the following sections, we will detail the causes of stomach pain and the conditions that require emergency care.

The Signs and Causes of Stomach Pain

The signs of stomach pain in infancy can manifest in many ways. The most common symptoms include sudden crying, which is usually intense and relentless. The baby often pulls their legs up, and their belly may become tense and distended. This type of pain typically occurs after feeding, especially 30-60 minutes post-meal.

The tone of the crying can also be telling; particularly painful crying is often very high-pitched and sharp. Additionally, the baby’s condition may change: their skin may become pale, they may sweat, and their pulse may quicken. If the baby’s bowel movements change, for example, if they are more frequent or less frequent, or if they have bloody stools, these can all be warning signs.

There can be many causes of stomach pain, such as digestive disturbances, bloating, or even more serious issues like bowel obstruction or inflammation. It is important for parents to observe their children’s reactions and symptoms, as more serious health conditions may be underlying the stomach pain.

Stomach Pain Requiring Urgent Medical Care

The signs of stomach pain requiring emergency care can appear suddenly and are typically associated with very strong pain. Initially, the pain may be localized in the abdominal area, but over time it can spread throughout the entire abdominal cavity, accompanied by hard, tense abdominal muscle contractions and bloating.

The child’s skin is pale, cold to the touch, and they may be sweating. In addition to crying, the baby also pulls their legs up, indicating that they are likely feeling very uncomfortable. In such cases, it is essential for parents to seek medical help immediately, as the symptoms may indicate more serious problems, such as peritonitis, bowel obstruction, or perforation of the stomach and intestines.

It is important for parents not to administer pain relievers or antispasmodics, as these can mask the symptoms and make it more difficult for the doctor to establish a diagnosis. During emergency interventions, the doctor may perform various tests to determine the cause of the stomach pain and may order surgical intervention if necessary.

When diagnosing stomach pain in infants, it is important to consider problems arising from developmental disorders, such as bowel obstruction or bowel necrosis due to inflammation. Parents should understand that stomach pain does not always indicate a serious problem, but attention and care should never be underestimated.