Appendicitis: What It Is and Treatment Options

Your appendix is a three-and-half-inch long finger-shaped tube running from the large intestines on your lower right side. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, and it results in pain to the lower right side of the abdomen.

In most cases, the pain starts from around the navel and progresses. The pain of appendicitis typically worsens as the inflammation increases. It turns severe with time, and a visit to an emergency room near you becomes necessary.

Although everyone is at risk of developing appendicitis, individuals within the age brackets of 10-30 are the ones who mostly experience it.

What Are The Symptoms Of Appendicitis?

  • A sudden, painful sensation from your navel region is transmitted to the lower right side of your abdomen
  • Appetite loss
  • Diarrhea and constipation
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Experiencing pain as you walk, cough, or make other jolting movements
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Flatulence
  • Low fever worsened as time progresses

The region you experience the pain varies according to the appendix position and your age. For pregnant people, pain seems to originate from the upper abdomen since the appendix position is raised during pregnancy.

What Are The Common Causes?

Your appendix-lining blockage is known to cause an infection and is a probable cause of appendicitis. Bacteria causing the infection rapidly multiply, resulting in inflammation of the appendix hence swelling and pus accumulation. The appendix may rupture if it is not treated in time.

Complications Resulting From Appendicitis

  • Pus pocket formation in your abdomen causing an abscess
  • Rupturing of the appendix resulting in peritonitis

When Should I See A Doctor?

You should make an appointment with your doctor or seek emergency care in Temple if you experience troubling symptoms that indicate appendicitis. For severe abdominal pain, get to an emergency room in Temple, where you will be provided with the required immediate medical attention.

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