Appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small, tube-shaped organ located off the large intestine. Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of emergency abdominal surgery for children in the United States.
Symptoms of appendicitis start with a cramping pain around the belly button. As inflammation in the appendix increases, the pain tends to move downward and to the right, localizing directly above the appendix. A marked loss of appetite often accompanies the pain, along with feelings of nausea, vomiting, and fever. It is also important to note that there are a number of other conditions that present similarly in the abdomen.
A classis diagnostic test a doctor performs is depressing the abdomen on the left side and then rapidly releasing it. If the pain increases upon the release, it suggests that the inflammation has spread to the peritoneum. This response is called rebound tenderness. Further testing through imaging can be utilized to evaluate the likelihood of appendicitis.If untreated, the appendix may rupture, which is very dangerous, as it leads to peritonitis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. At this time the abdomen may become rigid and extremely tender. If you or your child suffers from a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, you should seek immediate treatment.
