Appendicitis in Children. What Parents Need to Know.

Abdominal pain is a common complaint in kids, and most times, it’s not something you should fret over. But what happens if the pain persists and your child’s conditions worsen over time.

You might think it's appendicitis but wait, its symptoms mimic common stomach bugs and other medical conditions and it’s HARD for you to determine if this is appendicitis or not. And if you do, how do you treat it?

Stay with us till the end and we’ll walk you through all the things you need to know about appendicitis in children; its causes, symptoms, stages, when to seek help, etc.

Let’s get in.

Understanding Appendicitis in Kids

What is Appendicitis in Children?

Appendicitis in children occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed due to infection or blockage. The appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to the large intestine and is located on the lower right side of the belly.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. Pain often starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen.

Immediate medical attention is required as it progresses rapidly (within 24-48 hours) to prevent rupture.

What Causes Appendicitis in Kids?

The major causes of appendicitis in kids include:

• Blockage of the Appendix: Caused by hardened stool, mucus, or ingested foreign objects.

• Enlarged Lymph nodes: Swelling of lymph nodes around the appendix, mostly triggered by infections like respiratory infections, strep throat, or gastrointestinal viruses.

• Parasites: Although less common, ingesting foreign particles like pinworms may block the appendix.

• Tumors or abnormal growth: Rare in children (again), but tumors and abnormal growth can sometimes result in appendix blockage.

As your kid’s appendix becomes swollen, the blood supply to the area is cut off.

Now, let’s understand the simple science behind what happens next.

Every part of your body needs the right amount of blood flow to stay healthy. But when blood flow to the appendix stops, it begins to die. If not taken action, the appendix will burst which results in the substances like stool and mucus leaking inside the belly and abdomen.

So if you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t wait to reach out to medical professionals to get expert guidance and timely care.

Symptoms of Appendicitis in Children

How do I know if my child has appendicitis?

Signs your child might have appendicitis include:

• Pain in the abdomen: Starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side.
• Nausea and vomiting: Often as a result of pain.
• Fever: Low-grade fever that worsens with time.
• Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat due to discomfort.
• Swelling or bloating: Especially in younger children.
• Diarrhea or constipation: As a result of changes in bowel movements.

One question we see parents asking is, ‘At what point should I go to the hospital for appendicitis?’

All the above-mentioned symptoms such as abdominal pain and persistent nausea and vomiting indicate that you need to go to the hospital.

The rule of thumb is, if the pain or restlessness is serious enough to affect your daily activities, it's a sign you need to seek urgent medical help. And that’s non-negotiable.

Silent Symptoms of Appendicitis

Silent symptoms are different from typical appendicitis symptoms. So it’s best to keep an eye to see if your child shows any of these:

• Mild abdominal discomfort: Dull pain instead of sharp pain.
• Gas: Often mistaken for a minor stomach issue.
• Weakness: Low energy without a clear reason.
• Loss of Appetite: Gradual decrease in eating without severe pain.

Luckily, different symptoms appear in different stages of appendicitis, and you can always put the stage your child is at by simply looking at the symptoms.

Mild fever? It must be stage 1.
High fever and vomiting? Stage 4. It’s an emergency.

Let’s understand these 4 stages in detail. Shall we?

The 4 Stages of Appendicitis

The 4 stages of appendicitis include:

Stage 1: Simple Appendicitis

In this stage, the appendix starts to swell due to an obstruction. This leads to increased pressure and reduced blood flow.

The primary symptoms include:

• Dull pain around the belly button
• Loss of appetite
• Mild fever.

Stage 2: Suppurative Appendicitis
The swollen appendix fills with pus and becomes even more swollen. The pressure keeps building, further compromising the blood flow.

The primary symptoms include:

• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea

Stage 3: Gangrenous Appendicitis
In this stage, the appendix begins to die due to the loss of blood supply, increasing the risk of rupture.

Let’s look at its primary symptoms:

• Paleness and dizziness
• A palpable abdominal mass

Stage 4: Perforated Appendicitis
This stage is marked by the bursting of the appendix. The bacteria-laden pus enters the abdominal cavity causing peritonitis (a serious infection), causing severe pain and fever.

Major symptoms include:

• High fever with chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and severe weakness

This is a medical emergency and you need to rush to the hospital for proper treatment.

What Can Be Mistaken for Appendicitis in Kids?

Oftentimes, the symptoms of appendicitis look very similar to other medical conditions like gastroenteritis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, or even pneumonia.

You might be concerned about how to confirm if it’s appendicitis and not another medical problem.

We understand the concern. Let’s differentiate them below:

• Gastroenteritis vs. Appendicitis: Gastroenteritis and appendicitis both cause abdominal pains.

While the cramps resolve in gastroenteritis in a few days, appendicitis pain worsens over time, shifts to the lower abdomen, and doesn’t improve.

• Mesenteric Lymphadenitis vs. Appendicitis: Both conditions are marked by swollen lymph nodes.

However, your child would have general abdominal discomfort in case of mesenteric lymphadenitis. In the case of appendicitis, the pain intensifies over time and is localized in the lower right abdomen.

• Pneumonia vs. Appendicitis: Pneumonia and appendicitis both cause fever, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Yet, symptoms like cough, chest discomfort, and difficulty in breathing are unique to pneumonia only. Also, you can confirm pneumonia through a chest X-ray (unlike appendicitis)

Speaking of which, how do we check appendicitis at home?

How to Check for Appendicitis in a Child at Home

We already know the common symptoms that indicate the child might have appendicitis, for example, belly pain, and behavioral signs such as irritability and loss of appetite

However, there are 2 things that you can try effectively at home.

1. Jump test

Since appendicitis gets worse with movement, asking your child to jump can clarify if they have it.

If jumping is making the pain worse, it’s a clear sign that your child might have appendicitis.

2. Palpating the abdomen safely

Ask your child to lie flat and relax. Now, press gently on their lower abdomen.

If they experience pain or it worsens by the press, it indicates rebound tenderness, a sign of appendicitis.

How to Treat Appendicitis in a Child

Once your child is diagnosed with appendicitis, the type of treatment they receive depends on the severity of the condition.

Generally, there are 2 types of appendicitis treatment.

• Surgical Treatment (Appendectomy):

Appendectomy is the most effective treatment for appendicitis in children which involves removing the inflamed appendix to prevent further complications and ruptures.

• Non-Surgical Management:

This type of treatment is considered when the appendicitis is mild and can be treated with antibiotics alone.

Your child will be given IV antibiotics in the hospital for a few days. If the infection persists, they may continue oral antibiotics at home.

However, there’s a risk of recurrence and close mentoring is required to ensure surgery is suggested when you still have time.

Appendicitis Is A Medical Emergency And Timely Action Is Important

We know appendicitis is hard to detect and its symptoms resemble those of stomach issues. While it usually starts with slight discomfort, delaying it can lead to complications.

The best approach is to trust your instincts. If something feels off, head to the hospital immediately. Don’t rely on home remedies and wait for things to get worse.

If you’re unsure (and that’s understandable), we’re here to help. Quality Care Global connects you with certified medical professionals who guide you throughout your child’s journey, from diagnosis to treatment to post-treatment guidance to ensure your child gets the right treatment at the right time.Take action before it's too late.