Question
A 2-year-old girl is experiencing intermittent and severe pain in the lower left abdomen. How should this be handled?
Answer
For a 2-year-old girl with lower left abdominal pain, there are two main concerns to consider: gynecological issues and intestinal problems. If the girl has started menstruating, attention should be given to whether there is an inflammatory reaction from the development of the left ovary. An ultrasound examination can be conducted. If she has not yet started menstruating, the likelihood of this is lower. Another possibility is a descending colon, which is an intestinal issue, possibly due to constipation or dietary habits. Massaging the left side of the abdomen may reveal a hard, ribbon-like lump, which is caused by hard stool inside the descending colon. It is recommended to provide the child with high-fiber foods, maintain regular bowel movements, perform clockwise abdominal massage, and empty bowels as soon as the urge arises, without holding in stool.