While most common in children, appendicitis can occur in people of all ages. The life-threatening condition requires immediate medical care. The condition occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed with pus that is made up of dead cell and is often the result of an infection.
It is not clear exactly what role the appendix plays, but research suggest that it is not as useless as it was once believed to be. While people can live completely normal and healthy lives without their appendix after an appendectomy, an inflamed appendix can be deadly. If not treated as soon as possible, appendicitis can cause the appendix to burst, spreading the infection throughout the entire abdomen.
Knowing the most common signs and symptoms of appendicitis in children can help to ensure that you can get the medical help your child needs as soon as possible. For children 2 years old and younger, the most common signs of the condition are vomiting, pain in the lower belly, and swelling of the belly. Older children tend to complain about pain around their belly button, and over time the pain will move to the lower right section of the belly. Typically, the pain will not get any better even as the child lies still.
Some other common symptoms to watch out for include:
- Diarrhea
- Not wanting to eat
- Feeling sick to their stomach
- Low-grade fever
- Bloated or swollen belly
While there is not always a clear cause of appendicitis, there are two main issues that can cause the condition – an obstruction that blocks the opening of the appendix or a gastrointestinal infection that spreads to the appendix.
For more information on child appendicitis and to talk to a pediatric surgeon if you believe your child is suffering from a swollen appendix, contact Pediatric Surgical Associates in Orange County, California, your Orange and Mission Viejo Pediatric Surgeons.