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About Appendicitis

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.

The appendix is a small finger-like organ that's attached to the largeintestine 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

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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 mayspread across the whole abdomen, and the child's fever may be very high,

reaching 104F (40C).

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

DiagnosisBecause the symptoms of appendicitis can be so similar to those of

other medical conditions (like kidney stones, pneumonia, or even a urinary

tract infection), it's often a challenge for doctors to diagnose it.

To confirm or rule out appendicitis, a doctor will examine the abdomen

for signs of pain and tenderness, and order blood and urine tests. The doctor

also might order other tests, like an X-ray of the abdomen and chest,

ultrasound, or a CAT scan. If the doctor suspects appendicitis, you may be

told to stop giving your child any food or liquids in order to prepare forsurgery.

TreatmentAppendicitis is treated by removing the inflamed appendix through an

appendectomy. Surgeons usually either make a traditional incision in the

abdomen or use a small surgical device (a laparoscope) that creates a

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smaller opening. An appendectomy usually requires a 2- to 3-day hospital

stay.

Before and after surgery, intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics will

help prevent complications and decrease the risk for wound infections after

surgery. If needed, your child will receive pain medication.

An infected appendix that bursts also will be removed surgically but

might necessitate a longer hospital stay to allow antibiotics to kill any

bacteria that have spread into the body.