Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch that projects from our colon (large intestine ) on the lower right side of our tummy.
Appendicitis causes pain in our lower right tummy. However, in most people, pain begins around the navel and then moves down to the right side. As the inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe and associated with vomiting.
Although anyone can develop appendicitis, most often it occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30. Standard treatment is the surgical removal of the appendix.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include:
- pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen
- pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen
- Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other movements
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Flatulence
The site of your pain may vary, depending on your age and the position of your appendix.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with a doctor if you or your child has worrisome signs or symptoms. Severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention.
Causes
A blockage in the lumen of the appendix that results in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis. The bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture.
Complications
Appendicitis can cause serious complications, such as:
- A ruptured appendix. A rupture spreads infection throughout your abdomen (peritonitis). Possibly life-threatening, this condition requires immediate surgery to remove the appendix and clean your abdominal cavity.
- A pocket of pus (abscess) in the abdomen. If your appendix bursts, you may develop a pocket of infection (abscess). In most cases, a surgeon drains the abscess by placing a tube through your abdominal wall into the abscess. The tube is left in place for about two weeks, and you’re given antibiotics to clear the infection.
Once the infection is clear, you’ll have surgery to remove the appendix. In some cases, the abscess is drained, and the appendix is removed immediately.