Symptoms of Appendicitis

As we already know that appendicitis is nothing but the inflammation of the appendix, eventually leading to infection if goes uncared. But it becomes very important when the symptoms of appendicitis in children are recognized. It is always advisable to seek immediate medical attention without any delay.

In children the symptoms of appendicitis is slightly different from the usual stomach ache. It might typically start with a mild fever and severe non localized pain around the belly button, characterized by tendencies of vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. The stomach pain infact worsens if goes unattended and moves to the lower right side of the tummy. Without delay, seek medical attention immediately. The earlier you recognize the easier and sooner will it be treated without any further complications taking place.

Take note of the following symptoms of appendicitis in children which will offer much help in recognizing the problem in advance and act upon it.

Mild or low grade fever every now and then.
Abdominal pain specifically around the belly button or at the right end of the abdomen.
Vomiting and feeling nausea-tic.
Loss of appetite.
Quite often getting the urge to urinate or frequent urination.
Swollen abdomen, especially occurring in infants.

If the symptom of appendicitis goes untreated and uncared then the appendix burst can take place within 24 to 72 hours post symptoms. At that point of time the child may catch up high fever, up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degree Celsius.

Though the symptoms of appendicitis in children may vary according to their age, it is very rare in infants. Whereas in kids who are just two years old or younger the most common symptoms of appendicitis could be vomiting or a swollen abdomen, characterized by severe pain around their belly button.

Since the symptoms of appendicitis in children are very similar to those of other medical conditions, that it often poses a challenge to the doctors to diagnose it. To rule out or confirm appendicitis, any doctor examines the child’s abdomen for signs of pain and tenderness, and might ask to perform some medical tests including X-rays of the abdomen, chest as well as a CT scan.

If the results are positive or if the doctor has suspected appendicitis, then you might be told not to render your child with food or drinks in order to prepare for the surgery to be performed.

Quick Tip #1

Pain which starts in the area of the belly button and then slowly moves down to the lower right side of your abdomen is a classic symptom of Appendicitis. Make sure you are aware of these symptoms and contact your doctor if you have any reservations.

Quick Tip #2

Make sure you contact a doctor if there are acute symptoms of middle/lower or right/lower abdominal pain in conjuction with any fever or vomitting.

Quick Tip #3

If you are having these symptoms of abdominal pain for more than four hours, then you should seek an urgent medical evaluation at your doctors office immediately or you should go to your hospitals emergency department straight away