Does my child have appendicitis?

People experience several illnesses during their lives where the only cure is to let the sickness run its course while treating the symptoms.
But appendicitis isnt one of those. In fact its an illness where taking quick action is essential for saving a persons life.
What is appendicitis?
The appendix is a fingershaped tube connected to the large intestine on the lower right side of the belly. While its purpose isnt totally understood research suggests that it may produce good bacteria for digestion.

Appendicitis typically occurs when this tube becomes blocked due to an infection or trapped stool. When this happens the appendix becomes sore and swollen and the only remedy is to remove it. If its not removed the soreness and swelling will become more severe until the appendix bursts about 1272 hours after the onset of symptoms. At that point bacteria spread within the body which can be deadly if not treated immediately.
The symptoms
Appendicitis affects all age groups but it tends to impact people ages 10 to 30 the most. In children its most common in those who are 512 years old.
While symptoms in children and adults are similar children tend to react differently in some cases so its important for parents to know what to look for. Symptoms can include one or more of the following
Abdominal belly pain
Due to belly pain children may avoid being touched moving taking deep breaths coughing or sneezing.
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Constipation
Diarrhea
Swollen belly in younger children usually under 5 years old
Signs the appendix has already burst
If parents dont take their child to the emergency department before the appendix bursts more severe symptoms will appear.
The fever will go up very high at this point Dr. Patel said. The child will have trouble breathing due to the pain so theyll be taking faster shorter breaths. Theyll be sweating and looking very weak and their blood pressure will drop.
If a parent sees these symptoms its very important for them to take the child to the hospital as quickly as possible.
Diagnosis and surgery
Appendicitis is usually diagnosed with blood and urine tests in conjunction with an ultrasound.
A CT scan may be used for adults but theyre not generally used on children due to the radiation Dr. Patel said. So an ultrasound is the safest method for diagnosing a child.