What is a common symptom of appendicitis in children?

Persistent right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain is a classic symptom of appendicitis in children. This pain typically begins as vague discomfort around the umbilical area before relocating to the right lower quadrant, where it often becomes more localized and intense. This progression of pain is characteristic of appendicitis due to inflammation of the appendix, which irritates surrounding structures and nerves, leading to specific pain in the RLQ.

Other symptoms that may accompany the pain include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sometimes fever. While symptoms like diarrhea and constipation can occur, they are not defining characteristics of appendicitis and can be seen in various other gastrointestinal conditions. Similarly, fatigue may be present as a nonspecific symptom but is not specific to appendicitis. Therefore, when considering the hallmark signs of appendicitis, persistent RLQ pain stands out as the most defining symptom.