Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine. The appendix is located in the lower right area of the stomach. Appendicitis is most common in children and young adults ages 10 to 30, but it can occur in people of all ages. Appendicitis is an emergency condition that needs immediate care. If appendicitis is not treated, the appendix can burst. This can cause severe health complications.
Would you like to schedule an appointment with Pediatric Surgery?
What are the signs and symptoms of appendicitis?
The most common symptom of appendicitis is pain in the stomach. This pain may:
- Start suddenly
- Begin in the area around the belly button and move to the lower right side of the stomach
- Be severe enough to wake your child if they are sleeping
- Feel worse when your child moves, coughs or takes a deep breath
Other symptoms of appendicitis can include:
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the stomach
Please note there are many conditions that can cause stomach pain. If your child has these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes appendicitis?
Appendicitis can have several causes.
- Inflamed tissue in the wall of appendix caused by an infection
- A blockage in the appendix
- Inflammatory bowel disease
In some cases, the cause of appendicitis is not known.
How is appendicitis treated?
Appendicitis is treated by removing the appendix as soon as possible. This surgery is called an appendectomy. At Connecticut Children’s we perform laparoscopic surgery whenever possible to remove the appendix. This type of surgery uses small incisions and a thin tube with a video camera at the end, called a laparoscope, to see inside the stomach. The surgeon then uses small tools to remove the appendix.