Acute abdominal emergencies in childhood

Abdominal pain is a ubiquitous experience during childhood and a common presenting complaint to secondary health care facilities. Amongst the large caseload are a number of serious and / or life-threatening conditions. In this article an approach to history and examination, initial management, diagnostic categories, modes of investigation, and treatment are discussed. Common and serious causes of abdominal pain in children are discussed. The clinical skills required to differentiate between them should not be underestimated.