What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Because the appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen, the most important symptom is low abdominal pain. This often starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side later. Other symptoms include:- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- low-grade fever
- diarrhea (after several days)
- pain or increase in urination
How common is appendicitis?
Appendicitis affects 80,000 children per year in the United States. It is most common in the second decade of life. Fifty percent of children will have a family history of appendicitis. Appendicitis is the most common cause for emergency abdominal surgery in childhood.Ruptured appendicitis occurs in 30 percent of patients and is more common in children under 5 years old.
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
The main signs of appendicitis are a history of pain in the right lower portion of the abdomen followed by vomiting and low-grade fever, and tenderness and rigidity (stiffness) in the same area.Most patients will have an imaging of their abdomen, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan. Blood tests and examination of the urine may also be performed.
Keep in mind that no one test or finding is 100 percent accurate and reliable in diagnosing appendicitis. The physician must piece together all available information. In some cases, the only way to diagnose appendicitis is to perform surgery.
How is appendicitis treated?
The treatment is surgical removal of the infected appendix. In some cases, when the appendix has already ruptured, surgery is done after a period of treatment with antibiotics.During the surgery
- A pediatric anesthesiologist (a physician who specializes in pain relief and sedation in children) gives your child anesthesia, which brings on sleep.
- If a laparoscopic (minimally invasive camera technique) procedure is used, the surgeon will enter the abdomen with small instruments and a camera, inserted through small stab incisions. Sometimes, a mildly larger incision (cut) is necessary to take out the appendix.
- The appendix is removed and the infected fluid is washed out of the abdominal cavity. In some cases, drains are placed to allow for the removal of infected fluid.
- The surgery generally takes less than an hour to complete.
After the surgery
The usual length of stay is 12-24 hours for simple appendicitis, and 5 to 7 days for ruptured appendicitis. The child will receive intravenous (in the vein) pain medication and antibiotics during the hospital stay. Oral feedings are started slowly, usually starting with clear liquids. Your child will gradually advance to a regular diet. There may be a dressing over the incision.Your child will be ready for discharge from the hospital when he or she can eat a regular diet, has no fever or drainage from the incision, and has normal bowel function.
What to expect after discharge
Most children will need a few days of rest at home before returning to school, and 2 to 4 weeks before returning to gym and sports, depending on how much inflammation there is.When to call your child's health care provider
You may notice some minor swelling around the incision; this is normal. However, call your health care provider if your child develops any of the following:- fever
- vomiting
- excessive swelling, redness, or drainage from the incision
- bleeding
- increasing pain
Follow-up office appointment
A follow-up outpatient visit will be scheduled 7 to 10 days after your child's surgery. Your child's health care provider will examine the wound and evaluate his or her recovery.
source: cleveland clinic
This information is provided by this sit and is not
intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care
provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a
specific medical condition. 
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