Warning signs of appendicitis in children

If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture and cause pus to spill into the surrounding area, threatening life.

Abdominal pain can be a symptom of appendicitis. Photo: Shutterstock

Appendicitis is more common in children than in adults and can occur at any age, even in children as young as 3 or 4 years old. These cases are difficult to diagnose because children cannot express themselves clearly and are not easily distinguished from other diseases with abdominal pain symptoms.

Appendicitis in children progresses very quickly, it can rupture in just 6-8 hours; therefore, early detection and diagnosis of appendicitis to surgically remove the inflamed appendix is ​​very necessary to avoid unfortunate events. Below are some warning signs of appendicitis in children.

Stomach-ache

This is one of the first symptoms of appendicitis. The pain usually starts from the navel and then spreads to the lower right abdomen. Often, children cannot explain the pain, but you can do a little test by pressing on the middle area of ​​the abdomen and holding it there. If the pain becomes severe after pressing hard, it is a sign of appendicitis.

Fever

Children with appendicitis may have a low fever of about 37.5 - 38.5 degrees Celsius. A high fever is a warning that the appendix is ​​about to burst or has already burst.

Nausea and vomiting

The symptoms of appendicitis are similar to those of viral gastritis. However, when there is vomiting accompanied by right iliac fossa pain that does not subside over time, it is a sign of appendicitis.

Anorexia

If it is appendicitis, the child will feel loss of appetite. According to Healthguidance, fear of food or not feeling hungry is also a common sign of appendicitis.

Constipation or diarrhea

Since appendicitis is similar to other digestive disorders, your child may also experience constipation or diarrhea. However, if this symptom occurs along with the other symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor immediately.

Frequent urination

Children with appendicitis tend to urinate frequently and cannot control their bladder as usual.

Abdominal wall stiffness

Abdominal rigidity is a sign of appendicitis when combined with other signs. However, this symptom often occurs after abdominal pain. Note that the pain will increase gradually and the appendix can rupture, which is life-threatening.

According to medical experts, appendicitis in children is easily confused with other stomach diseases. To determine whether there is appendicitis or not, it is necessary to perform a physical examination of the abdomen, pathological tests and urine tests, abdominal and chest X-rays, and CT scans in case of confusion with other diseases.

However, to avoid late detection, parents should take their children to the doctor if they have severe abdominal pain that does not subside after 1-2 hours, accompanied by vomiting, loose stools or fever to be monitored at the hospital because monitoring at home is very dangerous. In addition, do not arbitrarily use painkillers for children if they have abdominal pain without determining the cause because the medicine can eliminate the symptoms of the disease and make it difficult for the doctor to diagnose.

According to TNO