Appendicitis Age Demographics: Peak Incidence in Adolescents and Young Adults

Appendicitis most commonly occurs between ages 10 and 30, with peak incidence at 15–25 years. Males are affected more often than females (ratio ~1.5:1 to 3:2).

Age-Specific Considerations

• Children (<10): Higher rupture rate due to delayed diagnosis (atypical presentation).
• Elderly (>65): Atypical presentation, higher perforation risk, greater morbidity/mortality.
• Pregnancy: Appendix displaced upward; diagnosis challenging; fetal risk from perforation.

Clinical Implications

• High index of suspicion in young adults with RLQ pain, anorexia, nausea, low-grade fever.
• Imaging: Ultrasound first (children, pregnant); CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast (adults) for equivocal cases.
• Prompt appendectomy (laparoscopic preferred) reduces complications.