6 Things You Need To Know About Appendicitis In Children
Appendicitis is a serious concern that all too many people do not take seriously in children. This is because the signs may be easy to overlook or misdiagnose. Even doctors can get it wrong sometimes. Think your child may have appendicitis? Here are a few things you need to know about the condition.
1. Appendicitis requires medical attention right away.
When the appendix is inflamed, it may eventually burst. This can be especially dangerous for your child. Make sure that you bring your child to the doctor at the first signs of appendicitis. The earlier appendicitis is caught, the easier it may be treated.
2. The first signs of appendicitis are different in children than in adults.
Children experience different symptoms of appendicitis than adults do. Children tend to first experience a fever followed by pain that may start around the belly button. Over the course of a few hours, the pain will become much worse. It will also begin to centralize around the lower right portion of the abdomen. Eventually, your child may begin to vomit or feel nauseous.
3. A stomachache could indicate a different issue.
If your child simply has a stomachache, the symptoms may be pointing to a different issue, such as constipation or gas. Even strep throat and anxiety are commonly associated with stomachaches. It could also be something more serious, like a stomach ulcer or gallstones. This means it is still important to get in touch with a doctor.
4. Children experience rebound tenderness.
Rebound tenderness is a symptom commonly associated with children with appendicitis. This results in an intense pain at the moment pressure is placed on the stomach. The pain comes and goes quickly.
5. Treatment for appendicitis is typically an appendectomy.
An appendectomy is the removal of the appendix. This procedure is performed in both children and adults. If the appendix has time to rupture and burst, the doctor may also treat infection. If not treated, this can be fatal.
6. Appendicitis is rare in young children.
Infants rarely are diagnosed with appendicitis, but it does happen. The condition is also rare in children under the age of 10, but it is diagnosed on occasion. It is among the most common reasons for children to have surgery at a child surgical center.
Children often do not communicate their symptoms thoroughly. For this reason, it is essential that you pay close attention as a parent to the signs your child may be exhibiting.