Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.
Appendicitis in children
If you suspect that your child has appendicitis, you should seek medical attention immediately by taking them to a hospital’s emergency department, one of our Urgent Care Centres or by calling 999.
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Appendicitis in children at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Children often complain about having a sore tummy, and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. But appendicitis is something more serious that you need to keep on your radar. Early detection and diagnosis of the condition can prevent it from becoming more serious.
We’re here for you and your child to deliver a timely diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. With 300+ nursing specialists and clinical professionals working alongside leading paediatric consultants, your child will have an entire team of experts dedicated to giving them the treatment they need based on their unique needs.
We’re here for you and your child to deliver a timely diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. With 300+ nursing specialists and clinical professionals working alongside leading paediatric consultants, your child will have an entire team of experts dedicated to giving them the treatment they need based on their unique needs.
Appendicitis is a medical condition that’s triggered when the appendix, a small thin pouch in the abdomen, becomes swollen. The reason for this occurring is unclear, but it can cause intermittent stomach pains that come and go over time.
Early intervention is vital to prevent serious health complications. If you suspect that your child has appendicitis, you should seek medical attention immediately by taking them to a hospital’s emergency department, our Urgent Care Centre or by calling 999.
There are several symptoms of appendicitis to look out for. Stomach pains may feel worse when your child coughs, walks or if you press lightly on their tummy. As the condition progresses, the pain will increase, becoming more persistent and travelling to the lower right-hand side of your child’s tummy. The symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Intermittent pain
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- A fever and high temperature
Appendicitis is a common condition in children, and with early detection and treatment, serious complications can often be avoided. Most cases are treated before they become an emergency, and our paediatric specialists are well-equipped to manage the condition. There are three stages of appendicitis:
- Uncomplicated appendicitis: The appendix begins to be swollen and may cause a dull ache around your child’s belly button. This will gradually move to the right side of their abdomen.
- Acute appendicitis: At this stage, the inflammation spreads. Your child’s pain will likely become more noticeable, and other symptoms, like fever and chills, may also develop. Seeking medical advice at this stage can prevent further complications.
- Perforated appendicitis: In rare cases, if untreated, your child’s appendix may burst. It’s at this stage that urgent medical care is needed to prevent potentially life-threatening conditions such as sepsis.
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Appendicitis in children tests & scans
Expert diagnosis, fast results
It can be difficult to diagnose appendicitis in children because the common symptoms only appear in about half of the cases. Another factor that can make diagnosis difficult is that the location of the appendix can differ from child to child. Our paediatric specialists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing and treating appendicitis in children.
They will ask you about your child’s symptoms and examine their abdomen to check if their pain gets worse when pressure is applied. They may also recommend further tests and scans, including:
- Blood tests for signs of infection
- Urine test to rule out a bladder infection
- An ultrasound scan to check for swelling
- A pregnancy test depending on the child’s age and gender
- A CT scan
Appendicitis in children treatments at HCA UK
If your child has appendicitis, their appendix will normally need to be removed as soon as possible. This is done using a surgical procedure called an appendectomy. There are two ways to perform this.
- Keyhole surgery: This is the preferred method because it allows your child to recover much more quickly. Our surgeons make three or four small incisions in the abdomen and use special instruments and a tube with a small camera on the end to remove your child’s appendix.
- Open surgery: In some cases, open surgery might be suggested. Our surgeons will make a single large cut in the lower right-hand side of the stomach to remove the appendix.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Appendicitis in children FAQs
You're welcome to visit our HCA Healthcare UK outpatient centres at The Portland Hospital with your child. Our paediatric acute neurological rehabilitation unit is also based there. You can also visit our paediatricians at our clinics in Chiswick Outpatients, Golders Green Outpatients, or Elstree Waterfront Outpatients.
In our experience, working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams deliver the best possible clinical and rehabilitation outcomes for the children in our care. Our consultants are specialists in a range of skills: expert neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, physiotherapists and clinical nurse specialists.
By coming together, they can provide the treatment and wrap-around support your child may need.
In our experience, working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams deliver the best possible clinical and rehabilitation outcomes for the children in our care. Our consultants are specialists in a range of skills: expert neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, physiotherapists and clinical nurse specialists.
By coming together, they can provide the treatment and wrap-around support your child may need.
Yes, it’s often intermittent, which can make it difficult to understand what’s happening at first. If your child does have appendicitis, their appendix will likely need to be removed as soon as possible, so it’s best to seek urgent medical advice.
Most children will recover within one to two weeks of the surgery. Rest and light movement are recommended during the first few days. They can usually return to school and normal activities quickly.
In some cases, mild appendicitis in children can be treated with antibiotics, but surgery is often the most effective treatment. Your specialist will recommend a tailored treatment plan for your child based on their condition.
A balanced diet and hydration will help your child heal, but no major diet or lifestyle changes are required after treatment for appendicitis in children.
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Our locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Golders Green Outpatients
Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
The Waterfront Business Park, Beaufort House Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS Hertfordshire
“Mr Lucas checked in every day after the operation to see how I was progressing. I felt that I was in very safe hands.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.