When a child experiences abdominal pain, it can be a cause of concern for parents. One of the most common causes of severe stomach pain in children is appendicitis. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. If it is left untreated, it can rupture, leading to serious complications.
Signs and symptoms of appendicitis in children include:
- Sudden pain in the lower right side of the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
Symptoms of appendicitis may vary, and younger children may have difficulty articulating their pain.
The best treatment for appendicitis is a surgical procedure called an appendectomy. An appendectomy is often an emergency surgery.
Your child may not have a lot of time to get ready for the appendectomy. The healthcare team will want to know when your child last ate because having food in the stomach can cause problems when your child is under anesthesia. If the surgery is planned ahead of time, ask the healthcare provider when your child should stop eating and drinking beforehand.
After the appendectomy, your child will need to rest as it may take a few weeks for them to feel back to normal.
Some tips to help your child have a smooth recovery after the appendectomy include:
- Follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely
- Limit strenuous activities to avoid putting strain on the surgical area
- Keep your child hydrated and encourage them to eat a light, nutritious diet to aid in their recovery
It is important to call your healthcare provider if your child:
- Has fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher
- Has abdominal swelling
- Has green or yellow drainage from any incision
- Has pain that gets worse as hours or days pass
- Has redness or swelling around the incision
- Shows signs of sluggishness
- Is vomiting
- Will not drink
- Doesn’t start to eat one or two days after surgery
- Hasn’t had a bowel movement for two days after the surgery
- Has diarrhea
The pediatric surgeons at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provide many different surgical services to younger patients. For more information about our Queens, NYC pediatric surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.