Appendicitis: symptoms that should make the alarms jump
Prevention is always better than cure. It is true that there are certain health problems that can not be escaped. However, it is possible to act swiftly and before detecting it, taking into account some of its symptoms, which alert parents before diagnosis. An example is the appendicitis, a situation that if detected early can be solved soon, preventing it from resulting in more serious damage.
From the Canadian health service there are a series of signs in which parents can be fixed to suspect the presence of appendicitis in their children. A way to prevent more serious problems such as peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum which is a layer that surrounds all the organs of the abdomen that can lead to the death of the child.
What is appendicitis?
The Canadian health service defines appendicitis as the inflammation of the appendix. This organ is a small tubular structure that is attached to the first part of the colon. It is located in the lower right part of the belly of the patients. No function is known in the body and its presence is a vestige of some element in the organism of our ancestors.
Appendicitis occurs when this organ becomes obstructed. Another explanation for this inflammation is the presence of an infection in this area of the body. There are no risk factors demonstrated to date, although it has been detected that in under 2 years It is less likely to appear, is usually more common in adolescents and adolescents.
Symptoms of appendicitis
Given the risks of appendicitis, the Canadian health service refers to several symptoms that can alert the parents so that they can intervene in this way. early form and avoid the most serious problems:
- Pain around the abdominal area, specifically at the level of the navel, it is also possible that it is located to the right of the belly, which worsens when exerting a slight pressure in the area, with deep breathing or with movement.
- Loss of appetite, inflammation makes the child lose the desire to eat.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever that alerts of the presence of the infection of the appendix.
- Diarrhea or constipation. Less common symptoms of appendicitis, but should also be taken into account if they appear with others of the aforementioned.
Faced with the warning of one of these symptoms, or several, you must go to the doctor to perform various tests to diagnose this condition. Blood test and of urine and an ultrasound are the most used methods for the detection of appendicitis in the smallest. If this inflammation is confirmed, the most common procedure is to remove the vestigial organ.
Two are the most used techniques for this extirpation:
- Laparoscopy. The surgeons make small incisions in the abdomen where the instruments are inserted to remove the appendix. This technique is characterized by a short post-operative and faster recovery of the patient.
- Laparotomy. It is presented as the most conventional surgery technique. In this case the incision is greater. It is usually performed parallel to the groin in the lower right part of the abdomen, which is where the appendix is located.
Damián Montero
