Appendicitis in the child: signs and treatment

Appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix, that is, the process of the rectum. Most often it happens in people from ten to thirty years. Quite often this disease occurs in children, so every parent should know how to determine appendicitis in a child, signs and symptoms, in order to respond in a timely manner and not to allow trouble.

Causes of development

The exact cause of its appearance, scientists do not know. It is believed that it can occur as a result of inflammatory processes in the intestines, reduced immunity of the person, frequent overeating. Inflammation of the appendage can also cause some infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, typhoid fever, parasitic infections, etc. Inflammation occurs as a result of blockage of the lumen of the appendix with calculous stones, parasites, a tumor or a foreign body. Slime accumulates in the process. It is a fertile soil for the development of harmful microorganisms that cause inflammation of the mucous appendix.

Appendicitis in the child: signs and symptoms

This is a very insidious disease. It is difficult to diagnose it. This can be explained by the fact that the appendix is located in different people in different ways. Typical is its location on the right side of the lower abdomen. Here, and localized pain in its inflammation. When he is in another place, the symptoms of appendicitis in the child will be different. There may be pain in the area of the rectum, in the back, in the stomach - "under the spoon". Sometimes urination increases, accompanied by increased pain in the abdomen.

In addition, when the diagnosis of "appendicitis" is diagnosed in different age categories, the child's symptoms are manifested in different ways. So, in children under three years of age, there is no pain in a particular place, but their behavior changes. The child does not eat anything, becomes whiny. He suddenly raises his temperature (above 39 degrees), there is diarrhea or vomiting, the tongue becomes dry. The child does not allow anyone to touch the tummy. But the signs of appendicitis in a child of 3-7 years are completely different: first there are constant mild pains in the navel region, then they move to the right. The temperature can be normal or slightly elevated - up to 37.5 degrees.

If a diagnosis of "purulent appendicitis" is made, the child's symptoms will be as follows: he is thirsty, his lips become gray, dries in his mouth. And if the child is still sick and with hepatitis, measles, dysentery or salmonella, appendicitis can cause nausea, vomiting, loose stools, fever up to 39 degrees, abdominal pain. The abdomen first hurts near the navel, and then - on the right. Pain in the right leg is possible.

Treatment of appendicitis in a child

If the parents noticed the listed signs of the baby, it is necessary to immediately contact the surgeon - and the earlier, the better. Do not give your child any pills, no heat on the stomach - you can cause a ruptured appendix and peritonitis. If the surgeon diagnoses "appendicitis," the only correct treatment will be surgery.

Postoperative period

If the surgical procedure for removing the appendix was successful, then the child is in the hospital for no more than ten days and another week at home, while visiting the surgeon. The child should be freed from physical education lessons. He is forbidden to lift weights, ride a bicycle, jump. But you can perform a less serious homework. Limit the nutrition of the child is not worth it. It is advisable to give him vegetable soups to regulate the stool.

Complications after surgery

After the purulent appendicitis is transferred, the child may develop a commissural disease. In this case, he must be registered at the medical institution until he is fully recovered.