Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix; a small organ attached to the large intestine. Anyone can develop appendicitis but it most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30.
There are early signs that warn of an inflammation of the appendix. Warning signs include pain by the belly button or upper abdomen that becomes sharper as it moves toward the lower-right side of the abdomen and a mild fever. Additional signs and symptoms that may present are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal bloating
If you are experiencing symptoms it is recommended that you see your doctor immediately, because if left untreated complications can develop. The appendix can become swollen and filled with pus. This can result in peritonitis, a condition that occurs when the appendix ruptures and allows infectious materials to spread throughout the abdomen. Peritonitis can lead to death.
In order to diagnose appendicitis, your doctor will take a history of your symptoms and run a series of tests and examinations to rule out other possible causes. If it is determined that you have appendicitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and will most likely recommend an appendectomy (surgery to remove the inflamed appendix).
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.