Appendicitis

Question 1

What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in childhood?

Answer 1

Appendicitis

Rare in those <3 years old

Question 2

What are the causes of childhood appendicitis?

Answer 2

faecolith (can be seen on AXR)

perforation

Question 3

What are the clinical features of appendicitis?

Answer 3

Central abdominal pain radiating to the RIF

Low grade pyrexia

Vomiting

If perforated: generalised guarding

Question 4

How to investigate for appendicitis?

Answer 4

If female (under 18 are all paeds) then do pregnancy test!

Urine dip= + for leukocytes and nitrites

Question 5

How to manage appendicitis?

Answer 5

Immediate admission, NBM, IV fluids, Analgesia

Appendectomy!