In Appendix infection in children, sudden abdominal pain starts . The pain is such that the child lies very quiet and moans. Parents also get anxious at such times. This is a kind of emergency because if the appendix is torn, the life of the boy/girl is in danger.
Therefore, in this article, we will find out what to do if your son / daughter has such a problem and what are causes of appendix infection.
What is an appendix?
The appendix is a worm-shaped organ. This organ is located near the junction of the small intestine and the large intestine. The appendix is located below and to the right of the umbilicus.
The appendix is called the vestigeal organ because it has no importance in the body. Even without this organ, we can live a normal life.
What is appendix infection (appendicitis) ?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix due to infection in the appendix or when the feces from the intestine enters the appendix, it starts to clog there, causing infection and swelling of the appendix.
Symptoms of appendix infection in children
Appendicitis is characterized by fever and abdominal pain near the umbilicus. After a while, the abdominal pain worsens and the lower right side of the abdomen also begins to get tender from abdominal pain.
If your child has pain near the umbilicus, it is important that you should know the other symptoms of appendicitis.
- Abdominal pain near the umblilicus and increased abdominal pain in the right side of the abdomen.
- Walking by bending in pelvis.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomitting.
If the appendix is torn, the abdominal pain becomes more severe and the fever also increases. It is important to consult your doctor immediately.
If the appendix is torn, the condition is called Ruptured appendix. This time is very important because in this situation the patient’s life is in danger.
What types of problems can occur in appendix infection ?
If the infected appendix is not removed, it is more likely to rupture within 48 to 72 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Who can suffer from appendix infection ?
Appendix disease can affect anyone from the age of three. Apparently, there is no age for appendicitis.
How appendix infection is diagnosed?
Symptoms of appendicitis look like that of diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and kidney stones. So it is a challenge for doctors to diagnose the appendix infection.
Appendix pain is diagnosed by the doctor by examining the right and lower side of the abdomen and may require some blood tests, abdominal sonography, X-ray, and rarely a CT scan of the abdomen.
Blood Investigation – If the infection is spread in the blood, the white blood cells are increased.
Sonography – How much swelling is there on the appendix? How long is it? And if it’s ruptured ? These finding we will able to know on the sonography. If the appendix is torn, a CT scan may be needed.
What is the treatment for appendix infection ?
When the appendix is infected, removing it is the only treatment because if the appendix ruptures, there is a risk of spreading the infection to the abdomen and sometimes there is an intestinal obstruction (emergency condition).
The operation to remove the appendix is called an appendectomy. This operation is performed by open surgery or laparoscopy.
Laparoscopic surgery is performed when appendicitis does not cause any complications. The operation to remove the appendix with a laparoscope is called laparoscopic appendectomy. But when there is a complication due to ruptured appendix, there is an option of open surgery. Open surgery is called laparotomy.
Before the operation
The surgeon gives all the information about the disease and also some of the risks behind it. The operation is performed only after the baby is anesthetized. Nothing can be given orally to the baby before the operation because if the baby vomits during or after anesthesia, the baby’s life may be in danger.
After the operation
Even after the operation, the baby has to starve for a few hours. The baby is treated with Intravenous fluids. The baby is given antibiotics to reduce abdominal infections and also injections to reduce abdominal pain.
The hospital stay time depends on what is found in the abdomen. If the appendix is not ruptured and the operation is done by laparoscopy, the discharge is given in two days. But for some reason open surgery is done then it may take four to five days for discharge from the hospital.
Care to take at home
The following care should be taken at home after discharge from the hospital.
- Rest for at least a week and don’t play outdoor games.
- Meals should be taken as usual.
- Take a bath as usual.
- If there is pain, take the medicine prescribed by the doctor.
- Follow up with a doctor after seven days to remove stitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the appendix not heal without surgery?
No. Most of the time patients wait for cure but they came in emergency for the surgery.
Why is Laparoscopic surgery better for appendix than open surgery?
In open surgery, a large incision is made in the abdomen. The stay in the hospital is longer.
In laparoscopic surgery, two incisions are made near the abdomen and around the abdomen. Stay in the hospital is very much shorter.
Appendix infection is life threatening or not ?
Some parents think that appendix infection will get reduce with the help of oral medicine but they do not understand seriousness about the condition. If time is lapse then appendix can burst open in abdomen and endanger life of child.
How one can reduce expenditure of appendix surgery?
Timing is very much important. when appendix infection is diagnosed and surgery is adviced by doctor then it is better to take decision quickly will reduce cost of hospital expenditure. If parents takes long time then by that time appendix may rupture and laparoscopic surgery may get converted into open surgery which ultimately increases cost of treatment.
Does appendix infection occur in children?
Yes
Does appendicitis cure with antibiotics ?
Appendicitis can cure temporary with appendicitis. But it may come after few days, so it is always better to consult your surgeon on time to prevent complications of appendicitis.
Ref – Kids health
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