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Signs & Symptoms of Appendicitis in Infants

Appendicitis is a serious medical condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed. Young people between age 11 and 20 are most commonly affected with the condition, according to KidsHealth.org. When older children feel the pain associated with appendicitis, they are often able to describe their symptoms so parents are aware that immediate medical attention is needed; however, appendicitis can also affect infants, who can't communicate their pain verbally.

  1. Abdominal Pain

    • The most common symptom of appendicitis is pain in the lower right abdomen. Although infants cannot describe this pain to you, you can watch their body language to get a better idea of where they are feeling pain. An infant suffering from appendicitis pain may lean over or bend from her right side, especially if the pain is affecting the muscles leading to her right leg, according to BabyCenter.com.

    Abdominal Swelling

    • When the appendix is infected, it swells and fills with pus, according to MayoClinic.com. This swelling may be evident on the outside of the abdomen. A swollen or bloated abdomen is one of the most common signs of appendicitis in children under 2 ears old, according to KidsHealth.org. The abdomen may also be sensitive to touch, according to Babycenter.com.

    Flu-like Symptoms

    • Symptoms similar to stomach flu such as vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea and fever are signs of appendicitis, according to MayoClinic.com. In infants, diarrhea may come in small amounts and contain mucus, according to KidsHealth.org. The infant may also urinate frequently and he may have a persistent low-grade fever, according to the Web site. If the appendix has burst (which usually occurs 24 to 72 hours after the symptoms begin), this fever may escalate to up to 104 degrees F.

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