Appendicitis in Adolescents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Español

AMBULATORY CARE:

Appendicitis

is inflammation of your appendix. The appendix is a small pouch in the lower right side of your abdomen. It is attached to the first part of the large intestine. The appendix may get blocked or infected and become inflamed. Inflammation may cause your appendix to swell, fill with pus and, burst. You will need immediate care to prevent a ruptured appendix. A ruptured appendix can cause bacteria to flow into your abdomen. This can lead to a serious infection called peritonitis.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis:

It is important to tell your a parent or other adult if you develop certain symptoms. Symptoms may start suddenly and get worse quickly. The most common symptom is pain that starts at the belly button and moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain worsens when you touch your abdomen, move, sneeze, cough, or take a deep breath. You may also have any of the following:

• Abdominal swelling
• Abdomen that feels hard or tender
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever

Seek care immediately if:

• You have abdominal pain that gets worse or does not go away, even after you take medicine.
• You have a fast heartbeat or feel weak, or faint.
• You have trouble thinking clearly.
• You are vomiting and cannot keep food down.

Related medications

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever or shaking chills.
• You have trouble having a bowel movement, or you have diarrhea.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment

may include any of the following:

• Medicines may be given to prevent or treat an infection, or to manage pain.
• Drainage may be needed if you develop an abscess after a burst appendix. To drain the abscess, your healthcare provider guides a tube through your skin and into the abscess. Infected fluid drains through a tube.
• An appendectomy is surgery to remove your appendix. Your appendix may be removed through small incisions in your abdomen. If your appendix has burst, you may need an open appendectomy. A single, larger incision is made to remove the appendix and clean out the abdomen.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• piperacillin/tazobactam
• Zosyn

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer