Grunting respirations: chest or abdominal pathology?

A large percentage of misdiagnosed appendicitis cases occur during childhood. Misdiagnosed patients have increased morbidity and mortality from the diagnostic delay. The patients excused from an emergency facility who are ultimately shown to suffer from appendicitis have higher rates of perforation with attendant abscess formation, peritonitis, sepsis, and potential death. The patients with misdiagnosed appendicitis are young and likely to have atypical signs and symptoms. Grunting respirations incorrectly attributed to respiratory infection may serve as a pathway for a misdiagnosed case of appendicitis.