Appendicitis in Children and Teens

Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix. The appendix is a thin, finger-shaped tube that is joined to the large intestine. It sits in the lower right part of the belly (abdomen). Experts don’t know for sure what role the appendix has in the body. It is not a vital organ. Removing it is not harmful. Surgery to remove the appendix is called an appendectomy. It is the most common type of emergency surgery for children. Most children recover with no long-term problems.

Most cases of appendicitis happen between the ages of 10 and 30 years. Children with a history of constipation may have a greater risk. Having a family history of appendicitis may also increase a child’s risk for this condition.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. The appendix can burst or rupture. This is serious and can lead to more infection. If not treated, it can be fatal. If you think your child has appendicitis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. The CHOC Emergency Department is equipped to treat appendicitis 24 hours a day, with pediatric surgeons ready for all situations. Get directions to our Emergency Department.

What causes appendicitis?

Appendicitis happens when the inside of the appendix is blocked by something, causing swelling and infection. It can also occur because of stool, parasites, or viral inflammation.

The appendix then becomes inflamed and swollen. This is because the germs (bacteria) in the appendix begin to increase quickly. As the swelling and soreness get worse, the blood supply to the appendix is cut off.

All parts of the body need the right amount of blood flow to stay healthy. When blood flow is reduced, the appendix starts to die. The appendix will burst or rupture as its walls start to get holes. These holes let stool, mucus and other substances leak through and get inside the belly or abdomen. A serious infection called peritonitis may occur in the belly when the appendix bursts. If not treated, it can be fatal.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Each child’s symptoms may vary. Below are some common symptoms of appendicitis.

Pain in the belly (abdomen) is the most common symptom. This pain:

  • May start in the area around the belly button, and move to the lower right-hand side of the belly. Or it may start in the lower right-hand side of the belly.
  • Often gets worse as time passes
  • May be worse when the child is moving, taking deep breaths, being touched, or coughing and sneezing
  • May be felt all over the belly if the appendix bursts.

Other common symptoms include:

  • Upset stomach (nausea) and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever and chills
  • Changes in behavior
  • Trouble having a bowel movement (constipation)
  • Loose stool (diarrhea)
  • Swollen belly in younger children.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

Your child’s doctor will take a health history and do a physical exam. The doctor may also order tests, including:

  • Abdominal ultrasound. This imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. It is used to see internal organs as they work. Learn more about having an ultrasound at CHOC.
  • CT scan. This imaging test uses both X-rays and computer technology to show detailed images of any part of the body. This includes the bones, muscles, fat and organs. It is more detailed than a general X-ray. Learn more about having a CT scan at CHOC.

Other tests may include:

  • Blood tests. These tests check the infection. They can also see if there are any problems with other abdominal organs, such as the liver or pancreas. Learn more about having a blood test at CHOC.
  • Urine test. This test can tell if there is a bladder or kidney infection, which may have some of the same symptoms as appendicitis.

Symptoms of appendicitis may look like other health problems. Always see your child’s health care provider for a diagnosis.

How is appendicitis treated?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age and general health. Appendicitis is a medical emergency. It is likely the appendix will burst and cause a serious, deadly infection. For this reason, your child’s doctor will likely advise that your child have surgery to remove the appendix.

In most cases, the appendix is removed using laparoscopic surgery. Your child is given anesthesia by our pediatric anesthesiologists. This method uses a few small incisions and a camera called a laparoscope to look inside the belly. The surgical tools are placed through one or more small incisions. The laparoscope is put in through another incision.

Sometimes the appendix bursts, and a collection of infected fluid or pus (abscess) may form. If this happens and your child is stable, the provider may recommend not removing the appendix right away. Instead, the provider may want to treat the infection first and drain the infected fluid from the abscess. The appendix will be removed later. This delayed surgery is called an interval appendectomy.

For an interval appendectomy, your child may first have IV antibiotics. These are given through an IV tube called a PICC line, or a peripherally inserted central catheter. This is done for about 10 to 14 days. In addition, the provider may use CT or ultrasound-guided images to drain the abscess. Once the infection and inflammation are gone, your child will have surgery to remove the appendix about 6 to 8 weeks later.

What happens after surgery?

A child whose appendix ruptured will have to stay in the hospital longer than a child whose appendix was removed before it burst. Some children will need to take antibiotics by mouth for a certain period of time after they go home.

After surgery, your child will not be allowed to eat or drink anything for a certain period of time. This lets the intestine heal. During this time, fluids will be given by IV into the bloodstream. Your child will also have antibiotics and medicines to ease pain through the IV.

At some point, your child will be able to drink clear liquids such as water, sports drinks or apple juice. He or she will slowly move on to solid foods.

After your child leaves the hospital, the doctor will likely limit his or her activities. Your child should not do any heavy lifting or play contact sports for a few weeks after surgery. If a drain is still in place when your child goes home, he or she should not take a bath or go swimming until the drain is removed.

You will be given a prescription for pain medicine for your child to take at home. Some pain medicines can make a child constipated, so ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects. Moving around after surgery rather than lying in bed can help prevent constipation. Drinking fruit juices may also help. Once your child can have solid foods again, eating fruits, whole grain cereals and breads, and vegetables can also help stop constipation.

Most children who have their appendix removed will have no long-term problems.

What are the complications of appendicitis?

An irritated appendix can quickly turn into an infected and ruptured appendix. This can happen in a few hours. A ruptured appendix is an emergency situation. If not treated, it could be fatal. When the appendix ruptures, germs (bacteria) infect the organs inside the abdominal cavity. This causes a bacterial infection called peritonitis. The bacterial infection can spread very quickly. It may be hard to treat if diagnosis is delayed.

Videos

Dr. Troy Reyna - Specific Tests for Appendicitis
Appendicitis Tests: Dr. Reyna

Does your child have appendicitis symptoms? Dr. Troy Reyna explains specific tests that are performed to determine if a child is experiencing appendicitis.

Dr. Troy Reyna - What to Expect with Appendicitis Surgery
Appendicitis Surgery – What to Expect: Dr. Reyna

In this video Dr. Troy Reyna, pediatric surgeon, tells what the patient and parent can expect with surgery for appendicitis, including recovery period.

Dr. Troy Reyna - Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis
Appendicitis Signs & Symptoms: Dr. Reyna

In this video Dr. Troy Reyna, pediatric surgeon at CHOC, talks about the signs and symptons of appendicitis, and what parents should look for.

Dr Troy Reyna - the causes of Appendicitis
Appendix & Appendicitis: Dr. Reyna

Meet Dr Troy Reyna, pediatric surgeon at CHOC, as he talks about what the appendix is and what the causes of appendicitis are.

Meet Our Pediatric Surgeons

Awan, Saeed MD

Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Appointments: 714-364-4050
Office: 714-364-4050

Dr. Saeed Awan is a board certified pediatric general and thoracic surgeon who treats children and teens at CHOC in Orange County.

Gholizadeh, Maryam MD

Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Appointments: 714-364-4050
Office: 714-364-4050

Dr Maryam Gholizadeh is a board-certified pediatric surgeon who performs general and thoracic surgeries on infants, kids and teens at CHOC.

Gibbs, David L. MD

Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Appointments: 714-364-4050
Office: 714-364-4050

Dr. Gibbs is a pediatric surgeon, also serving as director of trauma services at CHOC and division chief of pediatric surgery.

Guner, Yigit S. MD

Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Appointments: 714-364-4050
Office: 714-364-4050

Dr. Yigit Guner is a board-certified pediatric surgeon who performs general and thoracic surgeries on infants, kids and teens at CHOC.

Kabeer, Mustafa H. MD

Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Appointments: 714-364-4050
Office: 714-364-4050

Dr. Mustafa Kabeer is a board-certified pediatric surgeon at CHOC, performing all types of general surgery and specializing in pectus excavatum (sunken chest), lung resection, hernia and robotic surgery.

Reyna, Troy M. MD

Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Appointments: 714-364-4050

Dr. Troy Reyna is a board-certified pediatric surgeon at CHOC, specializing in pectus excavatum, hernias and hyperhidrosis.

Yu, Peter T. MD

Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Appointments: 714-364-4050

Dr. Peter Yu is a board-certified pediatric surgeon at CHOC, performing all types of general surgery and specializing in neonatal surgery, perinatal counseling, pediatric laparoscopic surgery and hernia surgery.

To consult with a CHOC pediatric surgeon, please call 714-364-4050.

If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or bring your child to the nearest emergency room.