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Appendicitis In Kids and Teens

Medically reviewed by: Loren Berman, MD

What Is Appendicitis? 

Appendicitis is when the appendix gets blocked and becomes infected. The appendix is a small organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the belly.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. It's important to know what to look for and, if your child has any signs, get care right away.

What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis (uh-pen-di-SYE-tis) happens when the appendix gets blocked, letting bacteria (germs) grow. Things that might block the appendix and cause appendicitis include:

  • hard, rock-like stool (poop)
  • swollen lymph nodes in the intestines
  • parasites and other infections

Appendicitis mostly affects kids and teens 5–20 years old. It is rare in infants. It’s not contagious, so kids can't catch it from someone who has it.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Appendicitis?

Often, the first signs of appendicitis are a mild fever and pain around the belly button. It might seem like just a stomachache. But with appendicitis, the pain usually gets worse and moves to the lower right side of the belly.

If your child has belly pain, watch for these appendicitis symptoms:

  • strong pain, mainly around the belly button or in the lower right part of the belly (the pain might come and go at first, then grow steady and intense)