Appendicitis In Teens
Appendicitis is an infection or inflammation of the appendix that causes severe acute pain and appears mainly between 10 and 16 years of age. This issue must be addressed in time. For this, organ removal is the typical way to cure appendicitis in teenagers.
As its name implies, the appendix is an organ attached to the right side of the large intestine that is between two and three inches long.
Although its function has not been established, it is known that the typical physical development of adolescence can lead to an obstruction in the communication with the intestine.
The generated inflammation, if not treated in time, can lead to severe infections that cause peritonitis. The patient’s life can even be in danger in these situations.
Symptoms of Appendicitis in Teens
The pain and symptoms of appendicitis in adolescents are progressive. However, knowing the age-specific probabilities, parents should be aware of a possible case of appendix inflammation. If treated in time, operation and recovery will be smooth.
The symptoms of appendicitis are as follows:
- Persistent pain on the right side of the navel.
- The pain descends and includes the lower abdomen.
- Possible presence of nausea and vomiting.
- Difficulty evacuating feces and constipation.
- In addition to the constant pain, there are cramps.
- Diarrhea.
- Inflamed abdomen: Touch becomes increasingly painful.
- Total or partial loss of appetite.
- High amount of white blood cells.
Possible causes of appendicitis in adolescents
Just imagine the pain of any external infection to remind you that the skin becomes inflamed and tight. In teenagers, appendicitis can be associated with stress as well as a disorderly lifestyle.
According to experts, when the body is in full development, care and healthy living should be just as important as in young children. At this stage of life, young patients may resist seeing a doctor.
Between the ages of 10 and 16, they are not yet adults, but they are no longer children either. This can make it so that, even though they are suffering physically, they are able to bear the pain in the hope that it will go away on its own.
In fact, the discomforts of appendicitis not only need urgent treatment, they can also lead to serious problems. Peritonitis is a ruptured appendix. When this happens, the pus from the infection will start to affect the abdominal surface.
The pain is so intense that a simple touch on the person’s skin causes a scream of pain. At this point, it’s virtually impossible to take a single step.
What to do about the symptoms of appendicitis in adolescents?
The most important symptom is severe pain. Although it may be misinterpreted initially, it is essential to consult your pediatrician or general practitioner. Ideally, the patient should be lying down and as still as possible.
In some cases, the infection may progress more quickly than in others. Therefore, it is convenient to provide an environment of great calm and tranquility, until the arrival of medical assistance.
Furthermore, painkillers, food or medication should not be administered. In a case of appendicitis in teenagers, it is very helpful to fast and include fluids. By taking these precautions, diagnosis and treatment can be made without delay.
Appendicitis Diagnosis
Although doctors can detect appendicitis by touch, several procedures and medical tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis and proceed with the operation. Once admitted to the hospital, the patient must do:
- Ultrasound or ultrasound.
- White blood cell count.
- Urine test to rule out possible urinary tract infections.
- Barium enema – examination of the lower intestinal tract.
- Computed tomography.
- Laparoscopy.
Appendicitis treatment: appendectomy
Surgery is the only possible way to eradicate appendicitis in teenagers. And it is performed after obtaining the test results. The time between hospitalization and operation is usually 2 days.
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. As it is a condition more than frequent in young people, it is among the routine interventions in any medical institution.
Ways to prevent appendicitis in teenagers
The following list can help teens take care of themselves and avoid the discomfort of appendicitis.
- Maintain an eating routine with fixed schedules.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
- Practice sports or physical activities of medium intensity regularly.
- Avoid frequent use of aspirin or medications that irritate the bowel.
- Do not smoke.
- Chew your food calmly.
- Don’t put off the need to defecate.
In conclusion, although sometimes very healthy people can suffer from appendicitis, prevention measures are never too much. We must emphasize that, although it is among the most common problems among teenagers, appendicitis can lead to serious complications.
