Symptoms of Appendicitis

Christina Vengayil^*
*Correspondence: Christina Vengayil, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt, Email:

Description

Appendix is a vestigial organ which is a part of our gastrointestinal tract. It is a narrow, tube shaped pouch bulging from the large intestine. It is present in the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendix has no important role and without appendix we can live a normal and healthy life. When there’s an obstacle in the appendix, bacteria can multiply rapidly inside the organ. So appendix becomes swollen and irritated. This ultimately leads to appendicitis.

The function of the appendix is not known. Some believe it gives a place to the tissue that helps our immune system's infectionfighting abilities. If it is not treated soon, an infected appendix might rupture and release harmful bacteria inside our stomach. Peritonitis is a type of disease which occurs because of this. This is a life-threatening condition that requires quick medical intervention.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain

A slow onset of dull, cramping, or excruciating pain in the abdomen is typical of appendicitis. As the appendix grows increasingly enlarged and inflamed the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal wall, will be irritated.

This results in intense, localised uneasiness in the right lower abdomen. The pain is more persistent and excess than the dull, aching ache that first appears when symptoms seemed. Some people may have an appendix that is found behind the colon. In some persons appendicitis can cause lower back pain or pelvic pain.

Mild fever

Generally 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 causing infection could cause our fever to rise. If the temperature is higher than 101°F (38.3°) and an increase in heart rate may mean that the appendix has ruptured.

Digestive-upset

Sometimes appendicitis can be the reason of nausea and vomiting. Patients may develop severe diarrhea or lose their appetite may also have constipation.

Symptoms of appendicitis in children

Usually parents can simply mistake appendicitis for a stomach problem or Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Children are always not able to describe what they are feeling. But they too have difficulties identifying the pain, and they may tell that the pain is in their entire abdomen. It is quite tough 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. For appendix 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.

Symptoms of appendicitis during pregnancy

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

A ruptured appendix is a potentially 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 recognise the early signs and symptoms of appendicitis so that a person can get medical help immediately. As appendicitis is a life-threatening condition that requires quick medical intervention and we should not ignore this problem.