Appendicitis

Overview

Appendicitis occurs when there is an inflammation or an infection of the appendix. The appendix is the finger-shaped pouch that extended from the large intestines at the lower right side of the abdomen. Patient will need emergency medical attention if it becomes infected or inflamed.

An inflamed appendix causes pain at the lower right side of the abdomen, as inflammation worsens, the pain progress and eventually becomes severe. The appendix might rupture, resulting in a sudden, severe pain and bacteria will enter the abdominal cavity through a ruptured appendix.

The abdominal cavity, which is located centrally of your body and contains your liver, stomach, and intestines, will get I,nfected if an inflamed appendix does not get treated in time. This may result in peritonitis, a severe inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). It may be fatal if not treated right away with potent antibiotics and surgery to remove the pus.

Although appendicitis can develop at any age, it most frequently affects adults in their teens and early 20s as well as the adolescent years in children. However, kids in elementary school can also get appendicitis.

Symptoms

The main symptom of appendicitis is severe abdominal pain, especially in the lower right side of the abdomen where the appendix is located. Symptoms frequently start off unexpectedly and worsen.

Appendicitis signs and symptoms include:

• Sudden pain that radiates to the lower right side of the abdomen.
• Pain or tenderness in the abdomen that worsens when coughing, sneezing, breathing in, or moving.
• Low-grade fever
• Swollen or bloated abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Flatulence

Your age and the position of the appendix might influence the location of the pain. Due to the elevated position of your appendix during pregnancy, the discomfort may appear to originate in your upper abdomen.

It is recommended to seek medical help if the child or someone exhibits alarming signs and symptoms of appendicitis.

Causes

It’s unclear what causes appendicitis to develop. The appendix becomes infected or becomes irritated, resulting in swelling and pain. The bacteria grow quickly filling the appendix with pus. The appendix may burst if it is not quickly treated.