Appendicitis is not a common cause of abdominal pain, but parents tend to worry a lot about this condition when it occurs in children. It is important to recognize the signs of this illness and distinguish it from stomach pain so that children receive appropriate medical care.
There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, with advanced testing methods and antibiotics available today, most cases of appendicitis can be identified and treated without complications.
It is crucial to know how to recognize the signs of this illness and how to differentiate it from stomach pain, so that if a child is affected, you can help them receive the appropriate medical attention.
The characteristic symptoms of appendicitis usually begin with a mild fever, pain around the navel, and may be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. In contrast, stomach pain is typically more severe and the pain is located in the lower right abdomen.
Call a doctor or take the child to a medical center immediately if you suspect they have appendicitis. Early detection of the disease will facilitate quicker and easier treatment.
What is Appendicitis?
The appendix is a small, finger-like organ attached to the large intestine located in the lower right abdomen. Inside the appendix is a pouch that usually opens into the large intestine. When the opening of this pouch is blocked, the appendix swells and can easily become infected by bacteria.
If an infected appendix is not removed, it can burst and spread bacteria, causing infections throughout the abdominal area, which can lead to serious health issues.
Appendicitis most commonly affects children, particularly those aged 11 to 20. Most cases occur between May and October. Children with a family history of appendicitis may have an increased risk of developing this condition, especially boys.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
– Severe abdominal pain, particularly around the navel or in the lower right abdomen (the pain may start and stop, then become a persistent sharp pain).
– Mild fever.
– Loss of appetite.
– Nausea and vomiting.
– Diarrhea (especially small amounts of watery mucus).
– Frequent urination and/or feeling bloated and the need to urinate.
– Abdominal swelling, especially in young children.
If appendicitis is left untreated, the inflamed appendix can burst within 24 to 27 hours after symptoms first appear. If the appendix bursts, the child’s pain may spread throughout the abdomen, and they may develop a high fever, reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Symptoms of appendicitis can vary depending on the child’s age. Appendicitis is less common in infants. In children under 2 years old, common symptoms include vomiting and abdominal swelling or bloating, along with abdominal pain.
If you suspect your child has appendicitis, call a doctor immediately and do not give them any medication or food or drink.
Diagnosing Appendicitis
Because the symptoms of appendicitis can resemble those of other illnesses, it can often make it difficult for doctors to diagnose.
To determine or rule out appendicitis, the doctor will need to examine the child’s pain symptoms and tenderness in the abdominal area, conduct blood and urine tests, and perform X-rays of the abdomen and chest, as well as CT scans to assess the condition of the appendix.
If the doctor suspects the child has appendicitis, they may instruct you not to allow the child to eat or drink anything in preparation for surgery.
T.VY (According to KidsHealth)
