How to recognize appendicitis in a child? Every time the baby has a stomachache, he becomes capricious, refuses to eat, the first parental thought, which everyone immediately drives away from themselves - maybe this is an attack of appendicitis? How to distinguish the actual inflammation of the appendix, which threatens peritonitis, from ordinary abdominal pain caused by malnutrition.
Inflammation of the appendix (or vermiform process) in children is almost three times more common than in adults, but babies are much more difficult to diagnose. The fact is that the child cannot really explain where, what and how it hurts, and the symptoms of appendicitis are very similar to the manifestations of indigestion and intestinal upset:
- severe abdominal pain;
- fever;
- pallor of the skin;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhoea.
And since the child is capricious, cries, is afraid of the doctor and does not allow anyone to touch him, the diagnosis is extremely difficult.
On the other hand, the situation is complicated by the fact that an inflamed appendix can burst, and within a few hours from the onset of the disease. And this is complex peritonitis and a direct threat to life. The child's body does not have the necessary vital forces to deal with such a serious complication. Therefore, if you suspect it, immediately call an ambulance, and the younger the child, the faster.
Content
For what symptoms should you immediately call a doctor
- Even with a slight pressure on the abdomen, you can determine what hurts the most in the right lower abdomen.
- The abdomen is bloated, tense, gas does not go away.
- High fever - up to 39-40 degrees, lips are dry, hot, the child is sluggish, cries.
- Constant nausea, maybe without vomiting, or, conversely, frequent vomiting.
- White coating on the tongue.
- The pain is constantly increasing.
- Diarrhea with mucus.
- There is a difference of more than 1 degree between the temperature measured under the armpit and in the anus.
- The pulse is rapid, poorly audible.
- The child cannot sleep, he is afraid.
What to do before the doctor comes
Factors that provoke inflammation of the appendix can be: SARS, sore throat, flu, constant constipation, the presence of worms and even caries!
It is necessary to ask the baby: when it began to hurt, what he did before that, what he ate, whether he hit himself, when and how many times he went to the toilet. The main thing is to feel sorry and console!
And if the baby does not speak yet, but only cries pitifully? Then the mother should assess: in what position the child lies (curled up), whether it hurts when turning over (yes), whether he twists his legs (yes), does not allow him to touch the right side (yes) - immediately call an ambulance or take him to the hospital on his own by any transport.
Prohibited!!!
1) give painkillers;
2) put a heating pad;
3) do an enema;
4) shout at the child.
Выход – операция. В больнице малыша понаблюдают, сделают быстро все анализы. Если подозрения на аппендицит подтверждаются – ребенок немедленно будет прооперирован. Операция осуществляется под общим наркозом и длится около 40 минут. Уже через 5 дней ребенка отправляют домой, а через 2 недели он может вести полноценную жизнь.
If the situation is brought to the rupture of the appendix and peritonitis, the situation becomes tens of times more complicated. Modern antibiotics can save lives, but a complete cure is difficult and takes weeks.
Take care of your children!