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Acute Abdominal Pain
and Common Surgical Problems in Children
"Many of the surgical conditions of childhood are different from those
of the adult and are approached from a different viewpoint."This was
stated by Dr Zafar Nazir, Associate Professor, Consultant Paediatric
Surgeon and Head of Paediatric Surgery at Aga Khan University Hospital
(AKUH), while giving a presentation on 'Common Surgical Problems in
Children'. Dr Nazir was speaking at 'Signs, Symptoms and Care', a
public health awareness programme organised by Aga Khan University
Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi on August 6, 2005.
Dr Zafar Nazir explained, "Children are not small adults, the working
of their body, the way they respond to an illness and their disease
pattern, all are unique and different from those of adults." Dr Zafar
stressed that when a child requires medical attention, it is necessary
that he or she be seen by a paediatrician: a doctor who specializes
in diseases of children. In the same way, when a child needs an operation,
a surgeon who is qualified and experienced in operating on children,
called 'paediatric surgeon, should be consulted. Highlighting the
significance of a paediatric surgeon, Dr Nazir said that paediatric
surgeons are trained to work with children and understand their special
medical and social needs.
Also speaking on this occasion was Dr Muhammad Arif Mateen Khan, Associate
Professor and Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at AKUH. In his presentation
on 'Causes of Acute Abdominal Pain in Children', Dr Mateen said, that
Abdominal pain is a common problem in children and that there are
several causes of abdominal pain that vary with the age of the child.
"The common causes include constipation, abdominal cramps associated
with diarrhea, appendicitis, urinary tract infection, intussusception,
food poisoning and trauma," Dr Mateen elaborated.
He noted that in the community, diseases such as typhoid enteritis,
amoebic colitis, amoebic liver abscesses and hepatitis, are quite
common both in urban and rural areas. However, he said, in rural areas
the situation is even worse as health facilities are not easily available
to people. As a result, many patients are admitted to the hospital
when their diseases are at advanced stages. "Belief in traditional
remedies prescribed by 'witch doctors' continues to remain strong,
and this too delays their admission to hospitals," he elucidated.
Dr Mateen suggested that if a child is sick and has symptoms like
persistent restlessness, paleness, or is unable to stand or walk,
has fresh blood in stools or dehydrated, he or she should immediately
be taken to the doctor. "Such conditions may also reveal pain associated
with abdominal injuries, sensitivity in the abdominal area, frequent
urination, with pain or greenish vomiting or profuse diarrhea," he
disclosed.
The programme also included a question-and-answer session after the
presentations. As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment
of creating awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH
has organised over 180 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programmes in Karachi,
Hyderabad and the UAE, benefiting more than 37,000 people.
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