Question

A girl child has been experiencing abdominal pain for two consecutive days, initially misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis and treated with medication, but the symptoms have not improved and she has also been vomiting. Upon medical diagnosis, it is suspected that it could be acute appendicitis. How should one deal with acute appendicitis in children?

Answer

For children diagnosed with acute appendicitis, it is recommended to opt for early surgical treatment. If surgery is not performed in time, it may lead to appendiceal abscess, perforation, and even late-stage spread of pus throughout the abdominal cavity, resulting in diffuse peritonitis and septic shock. In severe cases, this could lead to multiple organ failure, posing a risk to the child’s life. In terms of conservative treatment, a light diet can be provided based on the child’s specific condition to regulate gastrointestinal function.