Appendicitis In Children: Symptoms And Treatment

Appendicitis in children is one of the main causes of childhood hospitalization. It is about the inflammation of the appendix.  For many specialists the functions performed by this body are not clear. This organism works in practically the same way whether or not it is present in the human body.

Statistics reveal that anyone can suffer from this inflammation. However, it is children around the age of 10 who are most likely to present this condition that must be treated immediately.

 The appendix measures an average of 10 centimeters, has a cylindrical shape and is located on the right and lower part of the abdomen. Its inflammation in children can make it difficult to diagnose it. In many cases the little ones are not able to describe the symptoms, or the location of the pain.

 Main symptoms of appendicitis in children

•  The first warning of the possible presence of appendicitis is the feeling of discomfort. This discomfort occurs in the upper abdomen or around the navel, followed by nausea and occasionally vomiting. This discomfort tends to intensify with the passage of time and to be located in the lower and right part of the abdomen. That is precisely where the appendix is ​​located.
• Usually in the presence of appendicitis in children, the little one lacks appetite. Nor will you feel like playing or doing any activity. Mobility and walking are also difficult due to the presence and intensity of the pain.
• Home diagnosis can be delayed by mistaking the discomfort for a simple tummy ache. Indigestion can even develop. Headache and fever are other signs of appendicitis in children. Occasionally diarrheal pictures may appear within the symptoms.

• It is no secret to anyone that a child on the move is a symptom of a “healthy child”. When the child has inflammation of the appendix, he usually tries not to move to avoid pain.

The speed of diagnosis

Early diagnosis of this condition is extremely important. The aggravation of appendicitis can lead to perforation of this organ and finally to peritonitis. This would complicate the clinical picture and increase the risks of contracting an infection in the abdominal area.

Some experts warn that the uninterrupted presence of these symptoms requires immediate medical attention. A sudden cessation of pain, instead of signifying the disappearance of appendicitis, may be a sign of a major complication in the inflammatory process. With all this, the risk of peritonitis (or inflammation of the peritoneum) is greater , which can put the patient’s life at risk.

Treatment of appendicitis in children

In the presence of the symptoms described above, the most prudent and opportune thing is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Using blood, urine, and palpation tests, a health expert will determine the source of the pain. In a second term, the actions to take to make it disappear.

Surgical intervention can be done in two ways:

• Laparoscopy. Small incisions are made, introducing instruments. With a little camera the procedure is allowed to follow. In this way, the organ is removed without making major incisions.

• Laparotomy.  In this case a larger incision is made , horizontally to the appendix located in the lower and right area of ​​the abdomen.

Risk of peritonitis

As we have seen previously, an appendicitis that is not treated in a timely manner can turn into peritonitis. Peritonitis is a complication with some complexity. In addition to the removal of the appendix, it is necessary to clean the intestinal contents that may have spread through the abdomen.

In these cases, the use of antibiotics is usually imposed. Occasionally   a second surgery may be needed to prevent infection. It is important that these types of risks are avoided, which is why specialist doctors insist on the importance of timely care.

Knowing the symptoms increases the chances of treating this condition in time. With this, there are more possibilities that the procedure is simple. The child, after a short rest, will recover satisfactorily and will be able to lead his life as normal.