Appendicitis

Parents often worry about the possibility of appendicitis when their children complain about abdominal pain.

What is appendicitis?

It is an inflammation of the appendix, a small part of the colon. Initially the entrance of the appendix is blocked, by various reasons, such as swollen lymph nodes (e.g., due to viral infection), faeces or a foreign body. Bacterial overgrowth and inflammation follow the obstruction of the appendix, resulting in the onset of abdominal pain. If treatment is postponed a life-threatening condition, known as peritonitis, may occur.

What are the most common symptoms?

Initially the child complains about pain around the navel, but as time goes by, the pain migrates to the right lower abdomen. Other symptoms are anorexia, nausea, vomiting and fever.

When should parents be worried?

the more of the following symptoms a child reports, the more likely is the diagnosis of appendicitis.

– anorexia

– nausea or vomiting

– fever

– pain in the right lower abdomen

– pain in the abdomen when the child walks, jumps or coughs

and should be examined by a paediatrician.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of appendicitis is often challenging for the doctor. It is primarily based on the clinical examination of the child’s abdomen by a paediatrician or surgeon. Auxiliary studies, like blood tests or abdominal ultrasound may be requested.

How is appendicitis treated?

Treatment involves the surgical removal of the appendix. The hospital stay duration, if no complications occur, is one to two days. In selected cases the doctor may choose intravenous administration of antibiotics rather than surgery.