Symptoms of Appendicitis in Children
The most common symptom of
appendicitis in adults is pain in the middle or right lower portion of the abdomen. Pain and other
symptoms of appendicitis in adults are not always
early appendicitis symptoms in children.
Diagnosing appendicitis in infants and young children is usually more difficult because they cannot clearly communicate their symptoms with their parents or doctors. Without a clear explanation of symptoms, doctors must rely on a physical exam and less specific symptoms, such as vomiting and fatigue. While toddlers with appendicitis may have trouble eating and may seem unusually sleepy, children with appendicitis may have
constipation or small stools that contain mucus. Although
appendicitis symptoms vary widely among children, parents should contact a doctor immediately if they think that their child has appendicitis.
Diagnosing Appendicitis in Children
In order to diagnose appendicitis in children, doctors perform a physical examination, ask for a medical history, and order tests. Tests that are used to diagnose appendicitis in children can include laboratory tests and imaging tests.
Treating Appendicitis in Children
In most cases, appendicitis in children is treated with surgery. If the doctor is unsure whether a child's symptoms are from appendicitis, he or she may prescribe medications for a short period of time. However, if the symptoms are due to appendicitis, surgery will be necessary.
Recovery from an appendectomy will take a few weeks. Doctors usually prescribe pain medication and ask patients to limit physical activity. Recovery from laparoscopic appendectomy is generally faster, but limiting strenuous activity may still be necessary for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Most children who are treated for appendicitis recover excellently and rarely need to make any changes in their diet, exercise, or lifestyle.
(Click Appendicitis Treatment for more information on treatment for appendicitis.)
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