Editorial Note on Symptoms of Appendicitis

Malcolm Lay^*
*Correspondence: Malcolm Lay, Department of Medical Research, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan, Email:

Description

Appendix is a vestigial organ. It is a part of your gastrointestinal tract which is narrow, tube shaped pouch protruding from the large intestine. It’s found in the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendix has no vital function and we can live a normal and healthy life without it. When there’s an obstruction in the appendix, bacteria can multiply quickly inside the organ. So appendix becomes irritated and swollen and ultimately leads to appendicitis.

The function of the appendix is unknown. Some believe it houses the tissue that aids our immune system's infection-fighting abilities. An infected appendix might rupture and release harmful bacteria inside our stomach, if it is not treated soon. Peritonitis is a kind of disease which occurs because of this. This is a lifethreatening situation that requires rapid medical intervention.

A slow onset of dull, cramping, or agonizing pain throughout the abdomen is typical of appendicitis. The peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal wall, will be irritated as the appendix grows increasingly enlarged and inflamed. This results in intense, localized discomfort in the right lower abdomen. The pain is more persistent and severe than the dull, aching ache that first appears when symptoms appear. Some people may have an appendix that is located behind the colon. Appendicitis can cause lower back pain or pelvic pain in some persons.

Usually appendicitis causes a fever between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.5°F (38°C) and affected person also have the chills. If our appendix ruptures, the resulting infection could cause our fever to rise. If the fever is greater than 101°F (38.3°) and an increase in heart rate may mean that the appendix has ruptured.

Sometimes appendicitis can be the reason of nausea and vomiting. Patient may lose his/her appetite may also have constipation or develop severe diarrhea.

Mostly parents can easily mistake appendicitis for a stomach bug or Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Children are always not able to define how they are feeling. But they too have difficult times pinpointing the pain, and they may say that the pain is in their entire abdomen. It is quite difficult to determine that appendicitis is the cause.

When it comes to appendicitis, it’s always better to be cautious. A ruptured appendix can be risky for anyone, but the risk of death is uppermost in infants and toddlers. In appendicitis, two years old children and younger often show the symptoms like vomiting, abdominal bloating or swelling and a tender abdomen. Older children and teenagers are more likely to experience nausea, vomiting and pain in the lower right side of the abdomen.

Many appendicitis symptoms are similar to the discomforts of pregnancy. These include stomach cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant women may not have the definitive symptoms of appendicitis, especially when it comes to late pregnancy. During pregnancy the growing uterus pushes the appendix higher. So the pain may occur in the upper abdomen instead of the lower right side of the abdomen. Pregnant women with appendicitis have the experience of heartburn, gas, or alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea.

Conclusion

Appendicitis is the swelling of the appendix. It's a medical emergency that almost always needs surgery as soon as possible to remove the appendix. A ruptured appendix is a possibly fatal condition. Rupture is unlikely within the first 24 hours of symptoms, but the chance of rupture increases considerably beyond 48 hours. It's critical to recognize the early signs and symptoms of appendicitis so that a person can get medical help immediately.