Appendicitis

 What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis (say: a-pen-da-SIE-tis) is a swelling of the appendix (say: a-PEN-diks). The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the first part of the colon. It is in the lower right side of your child’s belly. It has no known function in the body.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis

• pain around the navel or the lower right hand side of the belly, which gets worse with light pressure on the area, deep breathing, or movement
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever

If the appendix has burst, your child will feel continuous, severe pain throughout the whole abdomen.

Causes

Appendicitis happens when the appendix becomes blocked. Infection can also develop in the appendix. The blockage or infection can cause the appendix to swell, leading to pain. There’s also the risk of the appendix bursting.

Risk factors

Appendicitis can affect children and adults at any age. It rarely occurs in children younger than 2 years of age. Appendicitis is most common in adolescents and young adults.

Complications

If the swollen or infected appendix is not treated, the appendix can burst. This can lead to a potentially fatal infection in the lining of the abdominal cavity.

When you should seek medical assistance

You should take your child to the doctor if your child has severe abdominal pain or ongoing unexplained fever or irritability. Take your child to the closest emergency department if you suspect the appendix has already burst.

How a doctor can help your child with appendicitis

Your child’s doctor will examine your child. If appendicitis is suspected, your child will be admitted to the hospital. The doctor or nurse may order an IV for fluids, blood and urine tests, and an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Your child will then undergo surgery to take out the appendix. This operation is called an appendectomy (say: a-pen-DECK-ta-mee). It is a common, simple procedure.

For more information, please read Appendectomy.

If the appendix has not burst and there are no complications, your child will stay in the hospital for 12 to 24 hours after surgery. Your child can go home when:

• His heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and temperature are normal.
• He is able to eat and drink without vomiting.

If your child’s appendix did burst, your child may be prescribed antibiotics. He may have to stay in the hospital until the infection has cleared up. After surgery, your child can eat a normal diet. Most children go back to their normal activities within a week or two.

How you can help your child with appendicitis

Ask your child to explain the pain he is experiencing. Contact your child’s doctor or go to the emergency room if you suspect appendicitis.

Key points

• Appendicitis is caused by an infected or blocked appendix.
• Symptoms usually include abdominal pain around the navel or the lower right hand side of the abdomen.
• If appendicitis is not treated promptly, the appendix may burst.
• You should take your child to the doctor if you suspect appendicitis.
• Appendicitis rarely occurs in children younger than 2 years of age.
• If the diagnosis is confirmed, your child will need surgery to remove the appendix.