Symptom 9: Gas or Bloating
Children can often complain of gas or a bloated feeling, especially after a heavy or rich meal. While usually benign, if these symptoms persist, especially in the absence of dietary triggers, they might be hinting at a more profound issue, such as appendicitis.
Gas and bloating, in the context of appendicitis, are not merely uncomfortable side-effects. They’re manifestations of the body’s struggle with the inflamed appendix. As the appendix becomes more inflamed, it can block or restrict the passage of gas and stool through the intestines. This blockage results in a buildup, which manifests as bloating or increased gas.
A child experiencing this might frequently pass wind, sometimes to no relief. The belly might appear visibly distended, feeling hard to the touch. This swollen belly is not just filled with gas but is also a result of the inflammation spreading to adjacent parts of the digestive tract. (9)
