Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix, a thin, tube-shaped structure that protrudes from the first section of the large intestine. The appendix can become inflamed due either to an anatomical obstruction or a blockage of hardened feces. This inflammation can rapidly develop into an infection.

Symptoms of appendicitis usually begin with pain around the umbilicus that intensifies over several hours and moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. This area will be very tender to even light pressure, and you may notice your child holding or protecting it. A decreased appetite, vomiting, and fever are frequently present. Diarrhea may be present as well, and extending the right leg may make the pain worse.

An inflamed appendix can burst, causing a life-threatening infection of the abdominal wall. If this happens, your child will rapidly become very ill, with a fever, pale color, and severe abdominal pain. Although a complaint of continuous abdominal pain is a key indicator of appendicitis, some children experience a milder onset of pain that comes and goes over several days before settling in as constant and severe. If you suspect appendicitis, seek immediate medical care.

Supplements and herbs

Herbal treatment for appendicitis is directed at supporting recovery from surgery. It is not meant to be a substitute for surgical treatment. If you suspect appendicitis, seek medical treatment for your child immediately.

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

• Once the crisis is over, follow the regimen below to help your child recover.
  Days 1-3: Give your child an Echinacea and goldenseal combination formula to help detoxify the chemicals remaining in his blood after anesthesia. Echinacea and goldenseal also support the immune system and can help prevent a possible infection in a surgical wound. Give your child one dose, two to three times daily.
  Days 4-7: Give your child one dose of astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous), three times daily. With its rich concentration of trace minerals and micronutrients, astragalus helps to strengthen the immune system. Do not give this herb to a child with a fever, however. If there is fever, continue giving your child Echinacea and goldenseal until the fever is gone (but not for more than ten days in a row, or it will lose its effectiveness).
  Days 8-14: Give your child one dose of American ginseng, three times daily. This is another excellent source of trace minerals and micronutrients, and will help strengthen your child's internal defenses.
  Note: This herb should not be given if fever or any other signs of infection are present.
  Days 15-21: Give your child two to three doses of nettle and/ or gotu kola daily. These herbs contain many trace minerals, are very useful for healing wounds, and are good general tonics.
  Note: Neither gotu kola nor nettle should be given to a child under four years of age. Also, some children experience stomach upset as a result of taking nettle. If this happens, discontinue use of the herb.
  Days 21-35: Give your child one dose of minor bupleurum formula, twice daily. This is a Chinese herbal combination that is a good tonic and will help to restore strength.
  Note: Minor bupleurum should not be given to a child with a fever or any other sign of an acute infection.
• Once the wound has closed and healing has begun, and your surgeon gives you the okay, gently rub vitamin E oil, castor oil, or evening primrose oil into the wound to minimize scarring.

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