Symptoms of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the tiny organ known as the appendix, which is present at the terminal end of the colon of the large intestine. The appendix is a mysterious organ in the human body; as such its function is not clearly known, though it is indicated that it may have some role in producing antibodies and hence helping the immune system of the body.

Appendicitis is not a very complicated condition if it is diagnosed in time and nipped in the bud. But the problem with appendicitis is that its symptoms are much similar to the symptoms of various other ailments. That is the reason why diagnosis can be late. Once you understand what is appendicitis and whether the abdominal pain you are suffering is appendicular pain, you must seek treatment as soon as possible.

What is Appendicitis? – The Causes

The exact cause why the appendix becomes inflamed in some people is not clearly known yet. But there is strong reason to believe that the appendix might get inflamed due to the blockage of the region of the colon known as the cecum. The cecum is the point where the colon opens into the appendix. The blockage may happen due to the undigested food that enters from the large intestine into the constriction between the appendix and the colon, becomes hardened and thus seals off the area. Another cause might be due to the swelling of the lymphatic tissue present within the appendix.

When the appendix is blocked, the microorganisms present within the appendix (primarily bacteria) start multiplying vigorously and infect the wall of the appendix. This is when the inflammation actually occurs.

What is Appendicitis? – The Symptoms

The most common symptom of appendicitis is the pain that is felt in the abdomen. This pain usually begins in the navel and then shifts gradually to the right side of the abdomen where the abdomen is actually located. It is usually very difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the pain when it is on the move.

Apart from the abdominal pain, nausea is also a very commonly observed symptom. People may feel nauseous intermittently, or the feeling could be continuous. Vomiting is generally observed.

What is Appendicitis? – The Treatment

Once appendicitis is diagnosed, treatment is sought. If the appendicitis is mild and if diagnosed early on, then mere antibiotics can be used to treat the condition and the appendix may not be removed at all. But in severe cases, the surgical removal of the appendix is needed. Two surgical procedures, the traditional appendectomy operation and laparoscopic surgery, are employed. In some cases the appendix might burst and an abscess might form. If there is formation of an abscess, it needs to be drained off during the surgical procedure.

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