Appendicitis

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When to see the doctor

See your doctor immediately if your child complains of the below symptoms.

What causes it?

Appendicitis is caused by the inflammation of the appendix, a finger-like projection of the large bowel. Just what causes this sudden inflammation is not known. The appendix itself is thought to serve no function in the normal digestive process and is thought to be an evolutionary remnant of some sort.

What are the symptoms?

Appendicitis tends to occur more commonly in older children and young adolescents and is rarely seen in children under the age of two years. The characteristic symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain. Initially it is in the middle of the belly and is more like a dull cramp. Within a few hours the pain classically shifts to the lower right side of the belly, where the appendix lies, and becomes sharper. Your child may not be comfortable sitting upright or walking straight. Movement tends to aggravate the pain. A mild fever is usually present, and your child may vomit or pass loose stools. Despite it being a relatively common illness, appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose because the appendix can lie in various positions, and therefore cause pain in different parts of the abdomen.

Although uncommon today, there is always the risk of an inflamed appendix bursting; this can be life-threatening. If your child is extremely unwell and even slight movement irritates them, take them directly to a hospital.

Is there a test?

Your doctor may perform a urine test to exclude a urinary tract infection, which can mimic appendicitis. A blood test, although not specific for appendicitis, can show evidence of inflammation. If your doctor suspects acute appendicitis after examining your child, you may be advised to take them to hospital immediately and before any tests are carried out.

How is it treated?

Emergency appendicectomy is the treatment for acute appendicitis, and should not be delayed once the diagnosis is suspected.

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