What is the likely diagnosis for a 7-year-old with right-sided abdominal pain and elevated WBC count?

The most likely diagnosis for a 7-year-old with right-sided abdominal pain and an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is appendicitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the appendix, which is often associated with pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The acute nature of the pain is significant, as appendicitis typically presents with sudden and progressive discomfort.

An elevated WBC count in this scenario is indicative of an inflammatory process, which aligns with appendicitis, as the body’s immune response generates an increased number of white blood cells to fight infection and inflammation. Additionally, children generally present with specific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever, which can further support the diagnosis of appendicitis in the context of right-sided abdominal pain.

Other conditions such as cholecystitis may occur in children but are less common and usually present with upper right quadrant pain, not specifically localized in the right lower quadrant. Constipation can cause abdominal pain as well but typically would not result in such a marked change in WBC count or be associated with acute, severe pain. Gastroenteritis can lead to abdominal pain, but it is frequently accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, and a different pattern of discomfort, often