Appendicitis facts for kids
Appendicitis is the swelling of the appendix.
The appendix is a pouch that is at the beginning of the large intestine. The causes include blocking in the appendix, sores, or bacterial infections. The bacteria will multiply, and Pus will fill the appendix. Symptoms include fever, a high white blood cell count, fast heart rate, and/or loss of appetite.
The appendix also may rupture (burst). This would cause bacteria to travel through your body. This also may cause infection in other body parts. This happens if appendicitis is not treated. If it is not treated, it may lead to peritonitis and shock.
People should get an appendectomy which means someone removes the appendix. Sometimes, it will get better without surgery. Appendicitis cannot be avoided. However, some people think that eating vegetables will help.
Reginald Fitz first described acute appendicitis in 1886.
It is one of the leading causes worldwide of pain in the abdomen.
Images for kids
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3D model of appendicitis.
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Appendicitis as seen on CT imaging
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Ultrasound image of acute appendicitis
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A fecalith marked by the arrow that has resulted in acute appendicitis.
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Appendicolith as seen on plain X-ray
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Coronal CT scan of a person initially suspected of having appendicitis because of right-sided pain. The CT shows in fact an enlarged inflamed gallbladder that reaches the right lower part of the abdomen.
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The stitches the day after having the appendix removed by laparoscopic surgery
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Ultrasound showing appendicitis and an appendicolith
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Ultrasound of a normal appendix for comparison
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A normal appendix without and with compression. Absence of compressibility indicates appendicitis.
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Micrograph of appendicitis and periappendicitis. H&E stain.
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Micrograph of appendicitis showing neutrophils in the muscularis propria. H&E stain.
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Acute suppurative appendicitis with perforation (at right). H&E stain.
See also
In Spanish: Apendicitis para niños
