Appendicitis affects fewer than 10% of people in the United States during their lifetime, but it’s most common among children, teens and young adults.
As a leading cause of acute abdominal pain, appendicitis can quickly become serious and even life-threatening. When someone develops signs of appendicitis, prompt medical attention is needed.
“Every parent should know the signs of appendicitis and how to recognize them in a child,” says Dr. Ian Mitchell, surgeon in chief for pediatrics at University Health.
Keep reading for the details you need to know.
The Facts About Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, which is a finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. It’s located in the lower right part of the abdomen.
This inflammation occurs when the entry to the appendix becomes swollen and blocked, allowing bacteria to grow and thrive. Dr. Mitchell says while there are some known reasons this can happen, “the most common reason is… well, we don’t really know.”
Once the appendix is blocked and becomes infected, treatment is required. Without treatment, the appendix can swell and rupture, causing the infection to spread to other parts of the body.
Signs of Appendicitis
Knowing the signs of appendicitis can help you seek medical attention for your child before the illness becomes severe. Common signs include:
Abdominal Pain
Discomfort around the belly button is often the first sign of appendicitis. The pain may be minor at first but worsen, becoming sharp and severe.
Though it begins near the belly button, the pain often moves into the right lower part of the abdomen within 24 to 48 hours. This pain is located at what’s called the “McBurney point,” which is directly above the appendix.
The abdominal pain may improve when resting and worsen when moving, even with slight movements such as a cough.
Fever
Your child may develop a low-grade fever and chills as the result of appendicitis. Dr. Mitchell says fever that won’t go away can be an indication of a ruptured appendix, “so a persistent fever along with abdominal pain is a red flag that immediate medical attention is needed.”
Loss of Appetite
A sudden loss of appetite, particularly in a usually good eater, can be a sign of appendicitis. This may be the result of the appendicitis itself or due to nausea and vomiting, two other common signs of appendicitis.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting can also be a sign of appendicitis. Queasiness can occur due to an inflamed appendix, which disrupts the normal function of the digestive system. Your child may also report having a tummy that just doesn’t feel quite right.
If nausea and vomiting are caused by appendicitis, vomiting won’t offer relief. That’s different from other causes of vomiting, such as a stomach bug or food poisoning.
Other Problems
Appendicitis can also disrupt our body system in other ways. Diarrhea or pain with urination can also be a sign of appendicitis when coupled with other symptoms.
Swollen Abdomen
Appendicitis causes the appendix itself to inflame and swell, and it can cause the abdomen to do the same. This sign is most common when appendicitis is advanced or if the appendix has ruptured.
Is your child experiencing appendicitis? You can find specialized pediatric care through the Children’s Emergency Department at our Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
What to Do If Your Child Has Signs of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an emergency medical condition. If your child has any of the signs of appendicitis, such as lower abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Because almost all the signs of appendicitis can also be caused by other medical conditions, a medical provider will use multiple tools to determine a diagnosis. This may include a physical exam, checking the abdomen for pain and tenderness, along with blood tests, urine tests and imaging scans.
If your child is diagnosed with appendicitis, an appendectomy is usually the recommended treatment. During an appendectomy, a surgeon removes the inflamed appendix, often with a camera and small incisions.
Less commonly, cases of appendicitis may be first treated with an antibiotic and/or the placement of a small drain. If these don’t clear the infection, an appendectomy is the next step.
Pediatric Care at University Health
At University Health, your child’s health and well-being are our top priority.
If you have concerns about your child’s health, start by talking with their primary care provider. Don’t have one? Schedule an appointment with one of our expert providers — we can guide you through the next steps and provide compassionate care for children of all ages.
In addition to primary care, you can learn more about our pediatric specialty care, including pediatric surgery.
