Appendicitis is the most common cause for emergent, abdominal surgery in children, according to Cleveland Clinic. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix--an appendage, or extension of the colon--becomes inflamed, obstructed and infected. It’s important to understand the signs of appendicitis in kids, because an infected appendix that isn't removed can burst and spread bacteria and infection throughout the abdomen, leading to serious health problems.
Abdominal Pain
The Cleveland Clinic says that doctors diagnose 90 percent of appendicitis cases involving children by medical history and physical examination alone. Therefore, a child with a history of pain in the right-lower portion of the abdomen could very well indicate appendicitis. The pain may start in the area around the belly button, and move over to the lower right-hand side of the abdomen. Some parents may confuse appendicitis for a run-of-the-mill stomachache, but increasing abdominal pain usually distinguishes an infected appendix from a stomach bug, states Children’s Hospital Boston. The pain usually increases in severity as time passes, and it may worsen with physical activity, taking deep breaths and coughing or sneezing.
Fever
Appendicitis occurs when the interior of the appendix becomes filled with something that causes it to swell, such as mucus, stool or parasites. The body responds to the foreign matter in the appendix by producing a mild fever. An infected appendix can rupture, sometimes within hours, warns Children’s Hospital Boston. A child with a ruptured appendix experiences a high fever from the bacteria that it emits throughout the abdominal cavity.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting that occurs along with a fever, abdominal pain and loss of appetite may point to appendicitis in a child, notes KidsHealth.org.The severe, abdominal pain from the infected appendix could cause nausea and vomiting or it could occur as a result of the infection itself.
Bowel Changes
A child may display diarrhea or constipation as a sign of appendicitis, reports the Children’s Hospital Boston. Constipation may develop from the inflamed appendix obstructing the colon, thus preventing the stool from passing out through the body. Diarrhea may result as a response from the body’s immune system recognizing an infectious agent inside the body.
