Does your child complain of stomach pain frequently? Does he refuse to eat, has he become irritable or does his stomach remain bloated? Is this a sign of appendicitis? Let us know from doctors what are its causes and what its treatment is.

Appendicitis in Children: If your child complains of stomach pain repeatedly, then it may not be a sign of common gas or indigestion, but a disease of appendix (appendicitis). Yes, appendicitis can become a serious disease not only for adults but also for children. If the symptoms are not recognized in time, it can also be fatal. Let us know what the symptoms of appendicitis in children are, what its causes are, and what its treatment is - so that you can take the right steps in time and keep your child safe.

Dr. Shandeep Kumar Sinha, Director of the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology at Medanta Hospital, said that appendicitis can occur at any age, even in very young children. Its cases are especially seen more in children older than 5 years, but this disease can also occur in toddlers, i.e., children between 1 and 3 years. The appendix is a small pouch-like organ that is connected to our large intestine. When it gets swollen due to some reason, such as stool accumulation, infection, then it is called appendicitis. Symptoms like severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and lack of desire to eat are seen in it.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis

Dr. Sinha says – The biggest problem in young children is that they are not able to explain their symptoms properly. Sometimes the child just becomes irritable, refuses to eat food or his stomach seems bloated. This is the reason why this disease is identified late in children and treatment gets delayed. In children younger than 5 years, the appendix can burst within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, which can make the condition serious.

How to protect yourself

Many people believe that appendicitis occurs only in older children or adults, but the reality is that this problem can also occur in small children. Keep in mind the following situations and take action accordingly.

• If the child complains of frequent pain in the lower right part of the abdomen, has fever, vomits or feels constantly tired, then a doctor should be consulted immediately. If not treated on time, a ruptured appendix can cause a serious infection (peritonitis) inside the abdomen, which can be fatal.
• Doctors usually diagnose appendicitis through a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as ultrasound. CT scans are rarely done in young children because of the risk of radiation exposure. What is most important is a clinical examination by an experienced pediatric surgeon.
• Talking about treatment, if the appendix has not burst, then in some cases treatment is possible only with antibiotics. But in most cases surgery i.e. appendectomy is required, in which the swollen appendix is removed.
• Most children recover quickly after surgery and can return home within a few days. But if the appendix has ruptured, they may need to remain in hospital for a longer period of time and receive IV antibiotics.

Dr. Raman Kumar , chairman of the Academy of Family Physicians of India, said, "Time is of the essence in cases of appendicitis." If the child complains of persistent abdominal pain, especially in the lower right part of the abdomen, do not take it lightly. Timely diagnosis and treatment can save the child from serious problems. Remember, appendicitis can be a medical emergency. Prevention is possible only with timely treatment.