Appendicitis in Children!!

Appendicitis in Children

This is a dangerous condition that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Because children have thinner appendiceal walls than adults, the appendix is more prone to rupture or perforate. This can lead to severe complications, such as an abdominal infection (peritonitis) or a bloodstream infection (sepsis), which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms of appendicitis in children may not be as clear as in adults, so parents need to observe closely, especially in young children who cannot yet communicate clearly. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal Pain

- In older children: Pain usually starts as a dull ache around the belly button initially, then shifts to the lower right abdomen and persists continuously.

- In young children: Children may experience abdominal pain severe enough to cry, fuss abnormally, or curl up. Touching the lower right abdomen may cause them to guard/tense up and feel pain.

Other Symptoms

- Loss of appetite, refusal to drink milk, or refusal to eat

- Nausea and vomiting

- Fever, which is a prominent sign of inflammation

- Abdominal bloating

- Loose stools or diarrhea

If abdominal pain worsens with body movement and does not improve even after vomiting or passing stool, appendicitis should be suspected, and the child should be taken to see a doctor immediately.

Causes

The primary cause of appendicitis is the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen (the inside cavity of the appendix), which can result from:

- Hard stool (fecalith): Stool fragments fall into the lumen, causing a blockage.

- Swollen lymph nodes: Lymphatic tissue at the base of the appendix swells and presses against the lumen.

- Parasites or other foreign bodies

- Kinking or twisting of the appendix itself

When a blockage occurs, it causes inflammation and infection inside the appendix. If left untreated, blood flow to the appendix will be cut off, which may lead to rupture/perforation.

Diagnosis and Treatment

- Diagnosis: Doctors will take a medical history and perform a physical exam, particularly pressing on the lower right abdomen. Additional tests may include blood tests to check for elevated white blood cell counts, and imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

- Treatment: The main treatment is the surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy), which can be done in two ways:

   - Open Surgery: The doctor makes an incision on the abdomen to remove the appendix.

   - Laparoscopic Surgery: Currently the popular method because it results in smaller surgical wounds, faster recovery, and requires only a 1–2 day hospital stay.

 

 

Reference :

Ladprao General Hospital Appendicitis in Children!!

ArokaGO Providers Ladprao General Hospital