Appendicitis Warning Signs

The appendix, a finger-like tube of tissue about 3 1/2 inches long, protrudes out from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. Appendicitis is more common in people between the ages of 10 and 30, but it can occur at any age. Appendicitis usually requires surgery to remove the inflamed appendix.

Significance

If appendicitis is left untreated, the appendix will eventually burst, and the infectious pus will spill out into the abdominal cavity. This can cause a serious inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. This condition is called peritonitis and can be fatal unless it is treated promptly and aggressively.

Early Signs

The first sign of appendicitis is usually dull pain or discomfort around the navel area. The pain soon starts to travel down the right side of the abdomen and finally settles in the area around the appendix, typically in the lower right abdomen. However, the exact location of the appendix varies from person to person, so the location of pain associated with appendicitis can also vary. The pain usually worsens over a period of 6 to 12 hours.

Other Signs

Other signs of appendicitis may appear after the initial pain. These signs include nausea, vomiting, no appetite, low-grade fever and abdominal swelling. Symptoms may also include constipation, inability to pass gas and diarrhea. The area in which the pain settles may be tender to the touch, and jarring movements such as coughing or walking may make the pain worse.

Causes

The cause of appendicitis is often not clear, and there is no medical evidence to indicate that it can be prevented. It can be caused by an obstruction of some kind, such as hardened fecal matter or food waste. It can also occur as the result of a prior infection or inflammation. In either case, bacteria can rapidly spread into the area and cause inflammation of the appendix. A cancerous obstruction can also cause appendicitis.

Warning

Several conditions have the same symptoms as those caused by appendicitis. Crohn's disease, gallbladder problems, urinary tract infections, gastritis and ovary problems can all exhibit some of the same symptoms as an inflamed appendix. It is very important that these symptoms be taken seriously. Persons with appendicitis often think they just have a stomach bug and allow the infection and inflammation to progress without treatment.