children s health issues
Appendicitis in Children
Diagnosis of Appendicitis
Ultrasonography Sometimes other imaging tests Sometimes laparoscopy The diagnosis of appendicitis in children can be challenging for many reasons. Many disorders can cause similar symptoms, including Gastroenteritis in Children , Most often, doctors do Ultrasound Scanning (Ultrasonography) of the Abdomen , which does not expose the child to radiation. If the diagnosis is not clear, doctors may do If the diagnosis is not clear, doctors may do Laparoscopy , in which a small viewing scope is put through the wall of the abdomen to look inside. If appendicitis is found during laparoscopy, doctors can remove the appendix using the laparoscope. Alternatively, especially in children whose symptoms and examination findings are not typical of appendicitis, doctors may do repeated physical examinations. Seeing whether the symptoms and tenderness are getting worse or better with time may help doctors decide whether appendicitis is present. Doctors also note the order in which the symptoms appear. 