Understanding the symptoms of Appendicitis

Understanding the symptoms of Appendicitis

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, and bacteria invade and infect the wall and lumen of the appendix. Appendicitis can be dangerous to life if it bursts, but doctors can remove it surgically. Seeking an immediate medical help is of utmost importance if you have appendicitis.

What is appendicitis?

A painful swelling or inflammation of the appendix is called ‘appendicitis’. In general, an
the appendix is a small thin pouch-like structure that is connected to the large intestine.
In order to know more about appendicitis, first, let us study the causes of appendicitis followed by the symptoms.

Who is affected?

Appendicitis is a common condition. About one in every 20 people develop this condition at some point in time in their life. It can show its presence at any age, but it is more prevalent in young people.

Causes of appendicitis

It is sometimes difficult to identify the cause of appendicitis. However, most of the times the condition arises due to the viral, bacterial, or fungal infection that spreads to the appendix.
The presence of ulcers along with the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract that results due to ulcerative colitis is one of the cause. An abdominal injury or trauma can also lead to appendicitis.

Symptoms of appendicitis

The position of the pain varies according to the age and position of the appendix. During
pregnancy, the pain is felt in the upper abdomen since the appendix is higher during pregnancy.

Pain in the abdomen

The condition of appendicitis classically occurs with a pain in the middle of the abdomen. The pain migrates at the actual site of the appendix where it becomes more severe and constant. Simply coughing, sneezing or walking can also make pain worse.

Worsening pain

Within a few hours after onset, a constant intense pain is felt at the actual site of the appendix. The pain is so severe that it becomes impossible to sleep since the intensity of pain is very high.

Mild fever and chills

The condition of appendicitis usually results in mild fever between 99°F and 100.5°F with or without chills. An increased temperature of about 101°F is an indication of the rupture of the appendix.

Digestive upset

This symptom is of great significance as it depicts the actual condition. Affected individuals experience nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite or not feeling hungry for a couple of days is a common symptom of appendicitis. In the case of continuous vomiting for 12 hours seeking medical help is advisable.

Constipation

As appendicitis imitates the conditions of stomach problems, the affected ones can also suffer from constipation or diarrhoea. As a result, an immediate visit with a doctor is recommended in such cases.

Rebound tenderness

Rebound tenderness is a sign which is used to access the inflammation and intensity of the pain. In this procedure, an increased pain is prompted by pushing the lower-right part of the abdomen and then the pain is experienced when the pressure is released. Mostly, the physicians access in the quadrant opposite of the pain area to check for rebound tenderness of the abdomen.

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