Appendicitis
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a sudden inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped
tube that branches off the large intestine. Appendicitis is one of the most
common causes of emergency abdominal surgery in children. Appendicitis is
more common in males than in females. The condition is uncommon among children
younger than 2, but it can occur.
Appendicitis generally follows obstruction of the appendix by feces (fecalith),
a foreign body, or rarely, a tumor. Typically, the first symptom is crampy
or 'colicky' pain around the navel (periumbilical). There is usually a marked
reduction in or total absence of appetite, often associated with nausea, and
occasionally, vomiting and low grade fever.
As the inflammation in the appendix increases, the pain tends to move downward and to the right (right lower quadrant) and localizes directly above the position of the appendix.
Pressing the abdomen over the appendix causes tenderness in a patient with appendicitis. When the abdomen is pressed, held momentarily, and then rapidly released, the patient may experience a momentary increase in pain. This 'rebound tenderness' suggests inflammation has spread to the peritoneum.
Symptoms of appendicitis in young children are seldom typical, however, abdominal pain, point tenderness(especially over the right lower quadrant of the abdomen), nausea and vomiting associated with fever may suggest appendicitis, Diagnosis is commonly delayed and perforation more likely. Older children, adolescents, and adults are more easily diagnosed.
For acute diagnosis and treatment
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