Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) requires immediate
medical attention, so it's important to learn its symptoms — and how
they differ from a run-of-the-mill stomachache — so you can seek medical
care right away. The first symptoms of appendicitis usually are a mild fever and pain
around the bellybutton. The pain usually worsens and moves to the lower
right side of the belly. Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and loss of
appetite are other common symptoms. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect that your child has
appendicitis. The earlier it's caught, the easier it will be to treat.
About Appendicitis
The appendix is a small finger-like organ that's attached to the
large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. The inside of
the appendix forms a cul-de-sac that usually opens into the large
intestine. Blockage can be due to hard rock-like stool (called a fecolith),
inflammation of lymph nodes in the intestines, or even parasites. Once
the appendix is blocked, it becomes inflamed and bacteria can overgrow
in it. If the infected appendix isn't removed, it can burst and spread
bacteria. The infection from a ruptured appendix is very serious — it
can form an abscess (an infection of pus) or spread throughout the
abdomen (this type of infection is called peritonitis). Appendicitis mostly affects kids and teens between 11 and 20 years
old, and is rare in infants. It's one of the most common reasons for
emergency abdominal surgery in kids. Appendicitis is not contagious.
Symptoms
Call the doctor immediately if your child shows symptoms of appendicitis, including:
- significant abdominal pain, especially around the bellybutton or in the lower right part of the abdomen (perhaps coming and going and then becoming consistent and sharp)
- low-grade fever
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea (especially small amounts, with mucus)
- swollen or bloated abdomen, especially in infants
There is no way to prevent appendicitis, but with sophisticated
diagnostic tests and antibiotics, most cases are identified and treated
without complications. If appendicitis goes untreated, the inflamed appendix can burst 24 to
72 hours after the symptoms begin. If the appendix has burst, the pain
may spread across the whole abdomen, and the child's fever may be very
high, reaching 104°F (40°C). The symptoms of appendicitis can vary according to a child's age. In
kids 2 years old or younger, the most common symptoms are vomiting and a
bloated or swollen abdomen, accompanied by pain. If you suspect that your child has appendicitis, call your doctor
immediately and don't give your child any pain medication or anything to
eat or drink unless instructed to by the doctor.
Source: kidshealth