What are the symptoms of appendicitis in a 5-year-old child?

Typical symptoms of appendicitis in a 5-year-old child may include abdominal pain that usually starts near the navel and gradually moves to the right lower abdomen, loss of appetite, fever, nausea and vomiting, etc. Once a child shows similar symptoms, he or she should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.

1Abdominal pain and tenderness in the right lower abdomen

Abdominal pain is the most common initial manifestation of appendicitis. It usually starts with a dull pain near the navel, then gradually moves to the right lower abdomen, accompanied by tenderness. Children may reduce their activities due to pain, or even continue to hold their abdomen. Parents should pay attention. If the child's abdominal pain suddenly worsens, it may indicate that the condition has worsened and they need to be sent to the doctor immediately.

2. Loss of appetite and vomiting

In the early stages of appendicitis, there is often a significant loss of appetite, and some children may also experience vomiting and nausea. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for common gastrointestinal discomfort, but when abdominal pain and vomiting occur at the same time, you need to be especially vigilant.

3. Fever and general discomfort

Children with early appendicitis may show a low-grade fever of 37.5-38.5℃, accompanied by fatigue and general discomfort. If the body temperature continues to rise, even reaching above 39℃, it may indicate that appendicitis has developed into a suppurative or perforated state, and immediate medical attention is also required.

4Special manifestations: pulling legs or walking abnormally

A 5-year-old child may not be able to clearly describe the pain, but may express it through behavior. For example, abnormal movements such as limping or being unable to squat are because the pain in the right lower abdomen is affecting activities, and parents need to pay special attention to these signals.

Countermeasures

Seek medical attention early: Once your child has suspected symptoms, go to the hospital for ultrasound or CT examination in time to confirm the diagnosis.

Surgical treatment: Confirmed acute appendicitis requires surgical resection, including traditional open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, the latter of which has less trauma and faster recovery.

Postoperative care: Pay attention to wound care after surgery to avoid infection, follow the doctor's advice on diet, and gradually resume normal activities.

Parents should pay special attention to their children's abdominal health in daily life, and deal with any abnormalities as soon as possible. If appendicitis is treated promptly, the prognosis is good, but delaying treatment may lead to serious complications.