{"id":15242,"date":"2022-03-03T15:11:09","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T21:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=15242"},"modified":"2024-03-29T13:52:19","modified_gmt":"2024-03-29T18:52:19","slug":"does-my-child-have-appendicitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/does-my-child-have-appendicitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Does my child have appendicitis?"},"content":{"rendered":"

People experience several illnesses during their lives where the only \u201ccure\u201d is to let the sickness run its course while treating the symptoms.<\/p>\n

But appendicitis<\/a> isn\u2019t one of those. In fact, it\u2019s an illness where taking quick action is essential for saving a person\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

What is appendicitis?<\/h2>\n

The appendix is a finger-shaped tube connected to the large intestine on the lower right side of the belly. While its purpose isn\u2019t totally understood, research suggests that it may produce good bacteria for digestion.<\/p>\n

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Learn more about appendicitis.<\/p>\n

> Check out our Health Library. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Appendicitis typically occurs when this tube becomes blocked due to an infection or trapped stool. When this happens, the appendix becomes sore and swollen, and the only remedy is to remove it. If it\u2019s not removed, the soreness and swelling will become more severe until the appendix bursts about 12-72 hours after the onset of symptoms. At that point, bacteria spread within the body, which can be deadly if not treated immediately.<\/p>\n

The symptoms<\/h2>\n

Appendicitis affects all age groups, but it tends to impact people ages 10 to 30 the most. In children, it\u2019s most common in those who are 5-12 years old.<\/p>\n

While symptoms in children<\/a> and adults are similar, children tend to react differently in some cases, so it\u2019s important for parents to know what to look for. Symptoms can include one or more of the following:<\/p>\n