Appendicitis Pain
Appendicitis Pain
The main symptom of appendicitis is the pain. However, the pain is often accompanied with fever and vomiting but tenderness at one particular point in the abdomen is the hallmark of the disease. Appendicitis pain can affect any gender and any age and if it is very severe, it may require medical emergency often followed by a surgical section as the only surefire way to cure. Here we try to understand some of the notable characteristics of the appendicitis pain.
Exact Location of the Appendicitis Pain
The problem with the appendicitis pain is that the person does feel pain in abdomen in a quite diffuse and un-localized manner. Whenever the patient is asked to indicate the location of the pain, they would typically circle the central part of the abdomen. However, this circular region is not the exact location of the appendicitis pain; it is only in the close vicinity. The particular ‘point’ for appendicitis pain is actually known as ‘McBurney’s point’, which lies over the right side of the human abdomen at one-third of the distance from anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus.
Nature of the Appendicitis Pain
If we look at the pattern of the appendicitis pain, there will be common presentation of diffuse abdominal pain that will start somewhere around right side of the umbilicus and will be bearable at first. Within hours (6 to 8 hours), the pain will localize to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen (right upper quadrant in pregnant women). The tenderness to the palpation by pushing down that particular area represents the most confirmed finding of the appendicitis.
Other Symptoms Associated with the Appendicitis Pain
Many times, along with the appendicitis pain, there will be unexpected ache in the center of the abdomen along with some discomfort in the abdomen. It may be associated with indigestion, diarrhea or constipation. The gastrointestinal system is affected one or the other way and when the pain gets shifted to the lower right side; it is generally accompanied by a fever that may range from 38 degree Celsius to 39 degree Celsius.
Abdominal pain is the benchmark sign for appendicitis but oftentimes it becomes necessary to check out for other appendicitis symptoms, especially nausea and mild to moderate fever. This is because the abdominal pain always underlies many health ailments. The abdomen is the portion in human body where almost all the organs are located and any disorder in any of the abdominal organ will give rise to the abdominal pain.
Diagnosis of the Appendicitis Pain
The examination for appendicitis pain is a typical one. During the physical examination, the doctor palpates the abdominal areas to find tender and painful areas. At McBurney’s point, the doctor presses a finger asking patient how exactly the appendicitis pain is. The pain is often intense when pressed at the point and relieved when that point is released. In some of the worse cases, where there is perforated appendicitis, the appendicitis pain is severe and just unbearable. In such cases, there is a sepsis and the appendix is highly infected. The only solution is to operate immediately and to remove the affected portion reliving the appendicitis pain. The patient is then given antibiotics treatment for a particular period to cope up with the infection, and is followed by an appendectomy.
Quick Tip #1
Pain which starts in the area of the belly button and then slowly moves down to the lower right side of your abdomen is a classic symptom of Appendicitis. Make sure you are aware of these symptoms and contact your doctor if you have any reservations. |
Quick Tip #2
If you are having these symptoms of abdominal pain for more than four hours, then you should seek an urgent medical evaluation at your doctors office immediately or you should go to your hospitals emergency department straight away |
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