Diseases 32
fifth Because diagnosis is so difficult and the condition is so serious, call your doctor if you have any reason to suspect appendicitis.
HOME CARE
Try applying gentle heat, as with a heating pad turned to "low." If the pain gets worse, it is probably caused by appendicitis. Never apply cold; this can mask the symptoms of appendicitis.
Do not give painkillers. Aspirin can affect the blood's ability to clot, so it should not be given in case the child needs surgery. Acetaminophen is safe but useless.
Allow only clear liquids by mouth. However, once you suspect that there is a strong possibility of appendicitis, do not give your child any food or drink until you consult your physician.
Never give a laxative or an enema.
PRECAUTION
• If pain persists in the lower right quarter of the abdomen despite home treatment measures, call your doctor.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
The only acceptable treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix). Therefore, your doctor must be reasonably sure of the diagnosis. In addition to the abdomen, your child's chest and throat will be examined because a throat infection and pneumonia can cause symptoms of appendicitis. A rectal examination will also be performed, and a white blood cell count and a urinalysis will be done. An xray examination may be ordered.
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If the test results strongly suggest appendicitis, the doctor may operate immediately. If not, he or she may admit your child to a hospital lor observation for a few hours until the diagnosis becomes more certain.
Unnecessary surgery is to be avoided, but the rule of safety is to operate on a child who may have appendicitis rather than postpone surgery until the appendix ruptures.
Stomachache, acute; Stomachache, chronic?
Quick Reference
Arthritis
KEY SYMPTOMS
• Swelling of joints
• Stiffness or difficulty in moving joints
SYMPTOMS
• Pain or tenderness in joints
• Warmth in joints
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS
• Redness of joints
• Fever
HOME CARE
• Do not treat at home until a doctor has diagnosed the cause.
• If a doctor is not immediately available, give aspirin or acetaminophen and rest the affected joints.
PRECAUTIONS
• Infectious arthritis is an emergency-unless a doctor is seen within 24 hours, permanent damage may occur.
• Rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever require prompt treatment
• If a child has prolonged unexplained fever and stiffness in the joints and the neck, rheumatoid arthritis may be the cause.?
Arthritis is an inflammation of any joint or joints. Arthritis most n affects joints in the fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, 0 ulders, hips, jaw, and spine. Six types of arthritis occur in child ? j. rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis associated with acute rheumatic fever infectious arthritis, allergic arthritis, postviral arthritis, and arthritis of rubella.
Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any time past the age of one vear So far the cause is unknown. It may affect one or several joints. infantum
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