Q: My child has a fever and stomach pain that comes and goes. Could it be appendicitis?

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 child started having on-and-off pain around the belly button a few days ago. That night, they developed a fever that went up to 38.5°C (101.3°F). For the past three days, the fever has been low-grade, coming and going. We visited a clinic yesterday and are giving a GI motility promoter and probiotics. There's been no diarrhea, just unusually smelly gas and slightly looser stools than normal. They still complain of stomach pain a couple of times a day. I'm worried because the fever isn't completely gone, the pain persists, and my child, who is usually a good eater, has a poor appetite. Could this be appendicitis?

Answer:

I understand you must be worried about the persistent low-grade fever and abdominal pain over the last three days.

【Current Situation Summary】

• On-and-off pain around the belly button started a few days ago, along with a fever (peak 38.5°C / 101.3°F).

• Currently has a recurring low-grade fever, decreased appetite, and complains of abdominal pain about twice a day.

• No diarrhea; stool is normal to slightly loose.

• Currently taking a GI motility promoter and probiotics.

【Could it be appendicitis?】

The typical progression of appendicitis usually looks like this:

• Pain starts around the belly button and moves to the right lower abdomen within 6 to 12 hours.

• The pain becomes progressively worse and constant.

• It hurts more when walking or coughing.

• Loss of appetite and vomiting are common.

Given that your child's pain is intermittent and hasn't clearly moved to a specific location, conditions like viral gastroenteritis or mesenteric adenitis are more likely possibilities than classic appendicitis at this stage.

【⚠️ Seek Immediate Medical Attention if You See Any of These Signs → Go to a hospital clinic that can perform surgery today or an emergency room】

• The child continuously clutches their right lower abdomen, or it's very painful when you press only on that area.

• The pain intensifies and lasts for more than 30 minutes.

• The child avoids movement, like walking or jumping, and holds their belly.

• Repeated vomiting or green-colored vomit.

• No urination for more than 8 hours.

• The child is lethargic, limp, or slow to respond.

【What to Do at Home for Now】

• Offer small, frequent sips of fluids (water, electrolyte drinks, thin porridge).

• Don't force them to eat; let them eat as much as they feel comfortable with.

• Keep a log of the pain: note the location, intensity, and duration (e.g., "3 PM, left of belly button, hurt for 5 minutes then stopped").

• You can use fever reducers if your child is uncomfortable (prioritize their comfort level over the exact temperature reading).

To summarize the key point: while the current symptoms don't follow the typical pattern for appendicitis, you need an immediate evaluation if the pain becomes fixed in the right lower abdomen or gets progressively worse.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us