Q: My 6-year-old has stomach pain and vomited. Could it be appendicitis or related to a past hernia surgery, and should we go to the ER?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
My 6-year-old child has been complaining of an upset stomach since this morning. After coming home from school, my child couldn't eat and had a stomachache, so we visited a clinic. The doctor palpated the abdomen and suggested that recent long-term antibiotic use might have reduced gastrointestinal motility, so we received medication to help with digestion. After taking the medicine, my child fell asleep but recently woke up and vomited once.
I am particularly worried because my child had inguinal hernia surgery earlier this year, and the right side of the abdomen looks like it might be slightly protruding. There is no fever right now, but could this be appendicitis? Should I wake my child up and go to the emergency room?
Answer:
It is completely understandable that you are worried about your child's abdominal pain and vomiting, especially given the history of hernia surgery.
Because a definitive diagnosis cannot be made without an in-person examination, careful observation of your child's current condition is necessary. Please check the following signs:
Immediate Checks to Perform:
• Does your child experience more pain when you gently press the right lower abdomen and then release your hand (rebound tenderness)?
• Does your child bend over holding their stomach or limp while trying to walk?
• Does the abdomen feel hard, stiff, and rigid to the touch?
When to Visit the Emergency Room:
You should take your child to the ER immediately if:
The pain in the right lower abdomen is progressively worsening.
There is clear rebound tenderness (it hurts more when you let go after pressing).
The abdomen is rigid and hurts even with a light touch.
Vomiting is repeated or the vomit contains bile (green or yellow in color).
What You Can Do Right Now:
Gently wake your child and ask them to walk a few steps to observe their posture and pain levels.
Check the exact location of the pain. Appendicitis often begins as a dull pain around the belly button and later shifts to the lower right abdomen. Please note that in cases of appendicitis, a fever may not appear until later.
Carefully inspect the site of the previous hernia surgery for any new swelling, bulging, or redness. The current symptoms could potentially be related to the surgical site, which requires close attention.
If your child continues to be in pain, or if you observe any of the warning signs mentioned above, please do not hesitate to visit the emergency room for a thorough medical evaluation. It is always safest to have a doctor examine the child in person when appendicitis or hernia complications are suspected.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
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