Signs & Symptoms of Appendicitis in Twelve Year Olds

Appendicitis occurs when bacteria clog the appendix, and it most often affects children between 11 and 20 years old. If the condition isn't quickly treated, it leads to rupturing and further infection. Children often exhibit fewer symptoms than adults, so close attention must be paid to spot appendicitis symptoms and take appropriate action. While there is no way to prevent appendicitis, it is generally treated without complication; though children younger than 12 have the highest risk of abdominal perforation or rupturing, appendicitis symptoms in 12-year-olds should be treated immediately.

Adbominal Pain

• According to AppendicitisSymptoms.org, abdominal pains are the first and most common sign of appendicitis. These symptoms generally occur before any others. At first, abdominal pain is not contained to any particular abdominal area; it may spread from the lower to upper abdomen all the way to the back. As the infection worsens, it typically centers around the lower right region of the abdomen, near the belly button (the appendix itself is located in the area between the large and small intestines, and the pain focuses on this area). Tenderness, swelling and severe cramps commonly occur. The pain's intensity is greater than other typical abdominal pain and unlike other stomachaches. It increases as the infection worsens. These aches often cause nausea and/or vomiting as soon as they begin.

Intestinal and Urinary Complication

• Diarrhea is a typical symptom of appendicitis. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, appendicitis sufferers often feel that passing stool will relieve discomfort; this is not the case. In contrast to common diarrhea symptoms, constipation or the inability to pass gas sometimes indicate appendicitis. This happens when mucus, feces or foreign objects obstruct the intestines. Intestinal issues often lead to a loss of appetite. Sharp pains similar to those experienced in the abdomen may also occur in the rectum. Though intestinal pains are very typical appendicitis symptoms, they do not occur 100 percent of the time; rarely, there is no change in bowel habits. Painful urination is also an appendicitis symptom.

Fever

• Appendicitis commonly causes fever, though it is less noticeable than other symptoms and often follows their occurrence. Youth suffering from the condition often read a low-grade fever ranging from 99° F to 102° F. If the appendicitis has already burst, a child's fever may reach up 104° F. However, it is possible to have appendicitis without running a fever, especially in older children.