"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.
