Appendicitis In Teens: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Image: iStock

Appendicitis in teens can be presented with abdominal pain that may often begin in the belly button and move toward the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The appendix is a small, finger-like projection on the intestine at the beginning of the large intestine (colon), and its inflammation is called appendicitis. The research conducted by the Second Hospital of Jilin University reveals that globally, there were 17.70 million new cases of appendicitis reported in 2019, where a noticeably higher incidence rate was observed among individuals aged 15-19. It is the common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in young people aged 11 to 20. Male teens with a positive family history are more likely to develop appendicitis (1).

Removal of the appendix does not impact health since it is a vestigial organ (useless part). However, if left unmanaged, an inflamed appendix can rupture and cause infections and other problems in teens. Read on to know the causes, signs, complications, diagnosis, and treatment for appendicitis in teens.

Signs And Symptoms Of Appendicitis In Teenagers

Image: Shutterstock

The signs and symptoms of appendicitis in teens include (2):

1. Abdominal pain due to appendicitis usually begins suddenly in the middle of the tummy, that is, around the naval area, and later causes right lower quadrant pain in the abdomen. The pain usually exacerbates while coughing or walking.

2. A low-grade fever follows the abdominal pain and may worsen over time.

3. Lack or loss of appetite

4. Nausea

5. Vomiting

6. Diarrhea or constipation

7. Abdominal gases (flatulence) and bloating

8. Urinary symptoms such as urgency and frequency

9. Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath

Appendicitis pain can come and go in the beginning when it is felt around the middle of the abdomen

. The pain becomes constant and severe after shifting to the lower right abdomen within hours (2). Chronic appendicitis may show only abdominal tenderness and pain, and other appendicitis symptoms may not be evident. In isolated cases, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, resulting in blood in stool, might be noted. If similar symptoms arise, contact a doctor immediately.

Teenage girls may have appendicitis-like pelvic pain due to some gynecologic disorders. The presence of vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge may help exclude the possibility of appendicitis.

Quick fact

Appendicitis tends to affect older children and teens. However, its occurrence in children under five years of age is rare (16).

When To See A Doctor

Seek immediate medical care if your teen has pain starting from the middle of the tummy and spreading to the right lower part of the abdomen. Avoid giving them food, drinks, or painkillers before consulting a doctor. Early medical attention can be helpful to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment promptly.

Be watchful

If pain spreads across the abdomen, it may indicate that the appendix has burst. A high-grade fever reaching 104°F (40°C) is another sign of a burst appendix, warranting prompt medical care (17).

Diagnosis Of Appendicitis In Teens

Image: IStock

The doctor may examine the child by applying gentle pressure on the abdomen or moving legs to identify the location of the pain. Teenage girls may require a pelvic exam to rule out gynecologic causes of pain on the right side of the abdomen.

The following tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of suspected appendicitis (3).

• Blood tests: It may give evidence of infection such as increased white blood cell count, or C-reactive proteins (CRP)ⁱA proA medical imaging method that generates 3D images of the body's tissues using radio waves, magnetic field, and a computer
  tein synthesized by the liver, the levels of which rise due to inflammation. .

• Urinalysis: Urine tests are often performed to exclude kidney stones and urinary tract infections that cause lower abdominal pain.

• Imaging tests: Abdominal ultrasound, computed tomographyⁱA kind of imaging test used to view detailed images of bones, tissues, organs, and blood vessels. (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or an X-ray of the abdomen can be performed to visualize the appendix.

Urological diseases, such as kidney stones and pyelonephritisⁱA kidney infection. , mimic appendicitis in some cases. Gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitisⁱA chronic disease of the large intestine characterized by inflammation and ulcers. and Meckel's diverticulitisⁱThe congenital gastrointestinal abnormality where there is a bulge present in the lower part of the small intestine. may also show symptoms similar to appendicitis.

Genital diseases such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian torsionⁱCondition when the ovary and the fallopian tube twist over the ligaments and blood vessels that support them. , ectopic pregnancy in teen girls, and testicular torsionⁱA condition caused by rotation of the testicle, which hampers blood flow to the scrotum by twisting the spermatic cord. in boys may all present the same problems as seen in appendicitis (4). Your doctor may order a few additional tests to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis.

Appendicitis Treatment In Teens

Surgical removal is the usual treatment for acute or chronic appendicitis. The following are key points about the treatment of appendicitis in teens.

• Surgical removal of the appendix is called an appendectomy, which can be done through laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery, also known as laparoscopy or laparotomy (open surgery).

• Laparoscopic appendectomy is less painful and allows for faster recovery. However, it may not be possible in teens with obesity or in cases of peritonitisⁱInflammation of the tissue that lines the abdomen and abdominal organs. , abscessⁱA pus-filled pocket, usually resulting from a bacterial infection. , and appendix rupture. Open appendectomy allows washing of the abdominal cavity in cases of rupture (5).

• In a few cases, after imaging tests, if the risk of complications is not seen, then the surgeons may recommend antibiotic treatment and plan appendectomy later. However, treatment decisions and recovery depend on risks and complications.

• Abscesses are often treated with antibiotics with or without draining, and appendectomy is done after controlling the infection.

It is important to seek medical care on time. Early intervention may help in faster recovery –within two to three days of hospitalization. Rupture of the appendix may require more days of hospitalization and could increase the risk of surgical complications (1).

Lifestyle Changes For Teens After Appendectomy

The following lifestyle modifications and home remedies can be useful in post-appendectomy days (6).

• Take medications on time: You should give pain relievers and other medications as per prescription. If your teen still has pain or other symptoms, then call the doctor .

• Plan the diet: Your teen may require small portions of frequent meals initially. Also, encourage them to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. Drinking alcohol should be avoided since it may interfere with medications. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they may cause constipation.

• Avoid strenuous activities: Always seek the doctor’s advice to return to regular physical activities after surgery. The teen should also avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting groceries, moving furniture, lifting children, etc., for around six weeks. Walking is one of the exercises allowed before six weeks of surgery. The teen may walk and climb stairs in moderation as per the doctor’s advice.

Image: IStock

• Do not drive: It is advised not to drive until the first postoperative visit.

• Support abdomen while coughing: Placing a pillow on the abdomen and applying a little pressure could help reduce pain while coughing or laughing.

• Take rest: You may encourage your teen to take rest and sleep well after surgery to enhance the healing of wounds.

Image: Shutterstock

Call the doctor immediately if your teen has a fever, increased pain, redness, and abdominal swelling at the site of surgery.

Once the surgical wound and the intestines have healed, the teen can return to their normal eating and exercise routine.

Point to consider

Some pain management medications can cause constipation. So, help the child move around after surgery and serve them a high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids (18).

Causes Of Appendicitis In Teenagers

Inflammation of the appendix can be caused by its obstruction. Obstruction or blockage of the appendix can be caused by (7):

• Lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes)
• Intestinal worms
• Foreign bodies
• Bezoars (collection of indigestible materials in the digestive tract)
• Hardened fecal matter
• Trauma to abdomen

Obstruction may lead to infection due to bacterial growth and result in the accumulation of pus inside the appendix

. If left untreated, it can lead to the rupture of the appendix.

Types Of Appendicitis In Teens

Teens can have any of the following types of appendicitis (8).

• Acute appendicitis: This is an acute inflammation of the appendix with sudden onset of symptoms. It is more common and requires immediate treatment.

• Chronic appendicitis: Chronic inflammation of the appendix may show mild symptoms and often comes and goes. The pain can be severe or dull, and these episodes can be recurrent.

Risks And Complications Of Appendicitis In Teens

Untreated appendicitis may result in complications including (9):

• Rupture: Inflamed appendix may result in rupture or perforation around 36 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. A few children may have a small rupture, while some may have spillage of a large amount of pus and feces into the abdominal cavity (10). It can be fatal and will require emergency surgery for the removal of the appendix and cleaning of the abdominal cavity.

• Peritonitis: This may happen after the rupture of the appendix. In this condition, the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal wall) gets infected from the infected contents of the appendix. Peritonitis can be associated with severe pain, rebound tenderness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and high fever.

• Appendicular abscess: This is the collection of pus in the abdomen and the most common complication of acute appendicitis. The pus requires surgical draining with tubes and treatment with antibiotics.

How To Prevent Appendicitis?

Image: IStock

There is no proven way to prevent appendicitis (11).

Some studies show that a high fiber diet may reduce the risk for appendicitis. It is noted that the occurrence of the condition is low in countries where people consume fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables. However, more studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of high fiber foods in the prevention of appendicitis (12).

Some home remedies, such as consuming garlic, ginger tea, mint, etc., are followed by people, but they have not been scientifically proven to cure appendicitis. Giving oil massages or applying heat on the abdomen is not recommended by experts.

Infographic: Tips On Lifestyle Modification For Teens Post Appendectomy

The doctor may suggest a surgical procedure when appendicitis becomes chronic and begins to impact your child’s routine. This infographic brings simple home care measures after appendectomy surgery; guide your teen to follow these to facilitate quick recovery and avoid post-surgery complications.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

This informative video explains about appendicitis, its causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Get the facts to help you understand and manage this condition.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Richard Mario LurshayMBBS, DNB

Dr. Richard Mario Lurshay has around 11 years of experience in the care of children and their well-being. After completing his post-graduation in Pediatrics, he completed his training in Pediatric Nutrition from Boston University School of Medicine (USA).

Read full bio of Dr. Richard Mario Lurshay

Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor

Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.

Read full bio of Dr Bisny T. Joseph

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal

Anindita GhatakB.Tech

Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

Read full bio of Anindita Ghatak