First Signs of Appendicitis
The appendix is an organ whose function has been lost in the progress of human evolution. Today, the appendix only seems to make itself known by causing serious problems within the human body. Knowing the early signs of its infection can help avoid serious damage.
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The Facts
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Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix that results in swelling and abdominal pain. The mucus created by the appendix becomes backed up and enlarges the organ, making it necessary to remove it before it bursts. If it does burst, a condition called peritonitis occurs, in which several other abdominal organs would become infected. Luckily, the appendix serves no vital purpose within the body, so its removal is straightforward.
First Signs
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The most important and most noticeable early sign of appendicitis is sudden and unexpected abdominal pain. The pain occurs near the middle of the abdomen, eventually moving to the lower right, and it is greatly aggravated by sudden moving, coughing or sneezing. Other symptoms could include constipation, swelling in the abdomen, appetite loss or nausea and vomiting.
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Warning
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Unfortunately, only around 50 percent of those inflicted with appendicitis will experience the early symptoms. In addition, the infection is harder to detect in the very old and young, and those with certain other conditions. The potentially fatal nature of the disease makes it imperative to catch it as early as possible, so see a doctor if exhibiting any warning signs.
Types
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Appendicitis develops in two distinct types: chronic and acute. With chronic appendicitis, the infection is less detectable and causes a more general pain in the abdomen, but symptoms exhibit themselves earlier. With acute, the symptoms manifest themselves more clearly, but they do so at a much later point, when the infection is much more fatal.
Prevention/Solution
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If the early warning signs are caught and diagnosed as appendicitis, an appendectomy, or removal of the appendix, can be performed. Catching the symptoms early and talking to a doctor is the best defense against appendicitis, so any serious abdominal pain should be reported immediately.
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