Appendicitis Symptoms in Children

The appendix is a small structure which is not known to take any part in any of the processes that go in the body. However, this does not specify the fact that it cannot cause any problem. This structure projects out from the large intestine (colon), and is located in the lower right side of the abdomen. Due to certain factors, this very structure becomes inflamed and gets filled with pus. It is this condition which is known by the term 'appendicitis'. Although this disease is not specific to a particular age group and can affect any one, it is more common in people between the ages of 10 to 30.

What Indicates Appendicitis?

The main symptom of appendicitis is a pain that can be felt near the navel. This pain, then seems to radiate or shift to the lower right area of the abdomen. Press on the lower right abdomen and quickly release the pressure. If this action causes a sharp pain, then this might indicate appendicitis. Apart from causing pain, appendicitis may also cause a feeling of tenderness once the lower right abdomen is pressed. Another symptom is pain that gets aggravated with acts like coughing, walking, jumping, making jarring movements, etc. Accompanying this pain there might be symptoms such as nausea, mild fever, vomiting, poor appetite, and constipation. An inability to pass gas (flatulence problems), swelling in the abdominal area and occurrence of diarrhea, can also occur with other medical conditions.

What has to be known is, according to the age and position of the appendix, the pain may occur from varied places. This is the reason kids and expecting mothers may experience appendicitis pain in different places.

Treatment

The standard treatment method for appendicitis is a surgical removal of the appendix all together. The process is known as appendectomy. Surgeons may opt to perform this surgery as an open one, by making an incision, or as a laparoscopic operation, which includes several incisions. The later type of the surgery is recommended more, as it helps in faster healing, and with less scarring. However, as the procedure may not be appropriate for all, open surgery may be a viable option. Generally, a period of one or two days is expected to be spent at a hospital.

Post surgery, parents can take special measures to help their kids recover faster and without any complications. They must encourage their kids to avoid strenuous activities, and begin moving with short walks. Coughing, laughing, etc., may exert pressure on the abdomen and cause pain. To avoid it, parents can advise their kids to brace themselves using a pillow before such acts. If pain medications are not effective, doctors must be immediately called for. And most importantly, whenever kids show signs of tiredness or lethargy, they must be advised to get some rest, or at the best, sleep.