Question
How to differentiate between pediatric abdominal pain and appendicitis?
Answer
The difference between mesenteric lymph node enlargement and appendicitis lies in the fact that lymph node enlargement usually comes with fever, and the pain is not fixed; it does not require surgical treatment. Appendicitis, on the other hand, presents as referred right lower quadrant pain, which may be accompanied by peritoneal inflammatory symptoms, and requires surgical treatment. If a child shows signs of peritonitis, consider the possibility of appendicitis and seek surgery as quickly as possible.