Appendicitis is a common disease in children. It is caused by inflammation of the appendix, a small, cylindrical tube connected to the colon. While it's rare in children under two, it can occur in people of all ages.

Just as the size and location of the appendix vary from person to person, appendicitis in children also has various symptoms. These symptoms can be signs of another illness, a simple digestive problem, or a more complex problem. Appendicitis can rupture within 24 to 72 hours if the patient doesn't get to the hospital in time from the onset of symptoms or receive the right treatment.

The most common signs and symptoms are:

• Abdominal pain: This is the most common symptom. The pain typically begins around the navel and then moves toward the lower right abdomen. It worsens with deep breathing or movement. Abdominal muscle stiffness, pain during urination, or bowel movements may occur.
• Vomiting and loss of appetite: When a child has appendicitis, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite often occur together. These symptoms may also indicate other illnesses. Therefore, if abdominal pain accompanies these symptoms, appendicitis should be considered.
• Leukocytosis: When inflammation and infection occur, the body responds by producing more white blood cells. Laboratory tests can clearly determine whether the number of white blood cells has increased.
• Fever: Although not very common, a fever may appear in the first hours of the illness, especially in children. A high fever may also occur if the appendix ruptures as the inflammation progresses. At this point, debris from the appendix passes into the abdominal cavity.
• Diarrhea or constipation: These symptoms are not common, but they can occur. Excessive diarrhea is not experienced. The stools will not be very watery. Small amounts of diarrhea are seen, and the stools may contain mucus. Constipation may also occur.
• Abdominal distention: If the patient is a young child or infant, a swollen or distended abdomen may be a symptom.