For babies
Spilling in babies refers to the small amounts of milk that often dribble out of a baby's mouth after feeding. It is quite common during the first few months of life and usually happens because the baby's digestive system is still developing. Spilling is different from vomiting, which is more forceful and involves a larger amount of milk.
Babies cannot let you know that they are in pain - but there are some signs to look out for.
- Crying or not settling
- Frequent gas or straining to poo
- Refusing to eat
- Abdomen may feel hard or look swollen
- Pulling their legs to their chest
For Children
Abdominal pain in children can be from various causes. We ask questions about the type of symptoms to patient has, and the duration of their symptoms so that we can workout whether a patient needs to be seen urgently or not.
- Appendicitis - this often will present with sudden severe abdominal pain. This pain is often so sore that the child does not want to move. Often the pain will start all over the tummy, and then move down into the bottom right section of the tummy. These patients may also have nausea, vomiting or fevers.
- Urinary tract infection - this will often present with pain or stinging while peeing. A patient may also have blood in their urine and fevers. Consider reviewing Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)
- Constipation - this is a common cause of tummy pain in children. If this is the main symptom, consider using the Constipation card for further information.
- Gastroenteritis - this is what often causes a vomiting or diarrhoea bug, a ‘stomach bug’. These are usually self-limiting (will get better by themselves) as long as the patient stay hydrated. Vomiting or diarrhoea that lasts too long should be seen by our team. Consider reviewing Diarrhoea and vomiting
For Adults
Abdominal pain in adults can also be from various causes. We ask questions about the type of symptoms to patient has, and the duration of their symptoms so that we can workout whether a patient needs to be seen urgently or not.
- Bowel cancer - this is often associated with unintentional weight loss, a change in someone’s bowel habit, blood or mucus in the stools. These patients should be seen sooner rather than later so that we can do testing. Having difficulty swallowing can be a sign of a blockage or growth in the food pipe (oesophagus) region, so this should be asked also.
- Ectopic pregnancy - female patients who may be (e.g., missed their period) or are pregnant may experience severe abdominal pain due to an ectopic pregnancy. This should be seen on the same day to ensure we do not miss this diagnosis.
- Bowel obstructions - this is when the whole bowel is blocked. These patients will not be passing any poos and also may not be passing any wind (no farting).
- Consider reviewing Constipation, Reflux/heartburn, Diarrhoea and vomiting, Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) for further causes to ensure you are using the most appropriate card.
If your patient is unsure if their pain is severe, try asking them these questions.
Severe pain
- always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities