Enterospasm is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain in children. The abdominal pain is caused by paroxysmal and intense contractions of the intestinal wall muscles. It is characterized by sudden onset of abdominal pain, most prominent around the navel, with no abnormal signs during the intervals between episodes.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. The disease can occur in infants to school-age children.
2. Sudden onset, paroxysmal abdominal pain, mostly around the umbilicus, each episode lasts for a short time, intermittent pain, and a few may be accompanied by vomiting.
3. During the attack, examination may reveal generalized abdominal tenderness and hypersensitivity, while during the intervals, the abdomen is soft with no positive signs.
4. There may be a history of recurrent episodes in the past.
5. Surgical conditions such as appendicitis, biliary ascariasis, and intussusception must be ruled out.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Avoid cold foods and keep warm. During an attack, administering a small amount of soapy water as an enema can be effective.
2. Eliminate the triggering factors.
3. Administer phenobarbital at 1–2 mg/kg per dose, three times daily, or atropine at 0.01 mg/kg per dose, three times daily, orally as appropriate.
4. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.