Definition
Umbilical colic is usually described as a cramp-like pain in the umbilical region in children without a recognizable cause. This is also called functional abdominal pain. The symptoms often occur suddenly and last only minutes to a maximum of one hour.
Causes
There is no known organic cause for navel colic in children. It is a diagnosis of exclusion when other diseases such as a gastrointestinal infection or appendicitis cannot be considered. Presumably the symptoms develop in response to stress or excitement. Both the fear of a visit to the dentist and the anticipation of a birthday can be a trigger, especially for sensitive children.
How can navel colic be recognized?
Umbilical colic is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that the child has abdominal pain in the umbilical region without any organic cause. Typically, the symptoms appear suddenly and usually disappear again within minutes. Accompanying symptoms such as fever, diarrhea or vomiting speak against an umbilical colic, as do pains occurring at night.
Since it is often impossible for a layperson to differentiate between a serious illness such as appendicitis or a gastrointestinal infection, the family doctor or pediatrician should be consulted if in doubt. Navel colic in children often presents itself as an acutely onset severe abdominal pain around the navel. It is often more difficult to take a child’s medical history and to determine the pain symptoms than it is with adults, which is why a careful examination is very important in the case of abdominal pain. Another differential diagnosis is appendicitis – commonly known as appendicitis – which also begins at the navel and then typically moves to the right lower abdomen. In addition, cystitis may occur near and below the navel.
Associated symptoms
In the case of umbilical colic, usually only the typical, often cramping pain in the umbilical region occurs. Between the pain attacks, which often occur in phases, the child is free of pain. Accompanying symptoms may include headaches and paleness.
However, caution is required if diarrhea, vomiting and fever occur. Likewise, pain that lasts longer and may wander in its localization on the abdomen speaks against a harmless navel colic. It can also be a serious disease.
A gastrointestinal infection can also be the cause. To be on the safe side, the family doctor or pediatrician should be consulted in such a case. If a child has severe pain in the region of the navel and also vomiting, it may be gastroenteritis (inflammation of the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract).
This occurs in childhood, especially in the kindergarten age, up to several times a year. Fever is an indicator that the body is fighting off an illness. If abdominal pain around the navel and fever occur together, there is an organic cause.
For example, it could be a bladder infection in a baby. In order to clarify this, a urine sample is examined by the pediatrician. In addition, appendicitis with fever and abdominal pain may be present. If the general condition of a child with these symptoms is poor, you should not hesitate to consult a doctor.
