Appendicitis causes pain in the lower right abdomen, often accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea. Swelling and difficulty passing gas can also occur. A doctor should be consulted immediately, as untreated appendicitis can lead to serious infection and death. Treatment may involve antibiotics or surgical removal of the appendix.
The most common symptom of appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix, is pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, between the navel and pelvic bones. It is important to look out for such a symptom, as this condition can lead to a very serious infection if left untreated. Other symptoms usually accompany the inflammation, and knowing these symptoms can help a person determine when to contact a doctor.
Not all appendicitis will lead to life-threatening complications. But a patient can’t tell if it will resolve without medical treatment. It is best to err on the side of caution in seeing a healthcare professional if someone suspects appendicitis, as a professional can best determine what treatment should be undertaken.
Aside from pain in the right lower quadrant of the stomach, which will gradually get worse, those with appendicitis often have a fever. The intestines can also be affected, but often in different ways. Some have intense feelings of nausea and vomiting, while others may have constipation or diarrhea. Some may have both vomiting and diarrhea. Most people with the condition will not go hungry.
The stomach may actually show signs of visible swelling. This is often a buildup of gas, although it can indicate a swollen appendix. Most people with appendicitis find that they have difficulty passing gas, thus causing the abdomen to become distended.
An exam of someone with appendicitis usually reveals more symptoms. For example, putting pressure on the appendix generally causes extreme pain. Babies, however, may experience pain throughout their abdomen. In young children, it can be especially difficult to get a diagnosis because the youngest child may not be able to clearly articulate where the pain is felt the most.
An ultrasound of the abdomen usually confirms appendicitis because the appendix is noticeably large. The concern with such swelling is that it can result in a burst appendix, which can spill bacteria into the rest of the abdominal cavity, causing very serious peritonitis that can lead to death without treatment.
However, not all inflammation will result in a bursting appendix. Some medical professionals now administer antibiotics when appendicitis seems mild to see if a cure can be affected without removing the appendix. When it looks severe, however, the appendix is removed to prevent peritonitis.
Those experiencing many of the above symptoms should contact a healthcare professional immediately. Only a doctor can confirm appendicitis and the degree to which it can be dangerous to a person. A burst appendix is a much more difficult condition to treat than inflammation in its early stages.
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