Appendicitis is a medical emergency that occurs when the appendix, a hollow finger-shaped sac attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed. Appendicitis, according to MayoClinic.com, frequently occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30. The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix, called an appendectomy. Moreover, the human appendix does not perform any major function, so medical professionals don't consider it an essential organ. Because appendicitis can become an acute condition, it is wise to become aware of its warning signs.
Abdominal Pain
According to the National Library of Medicine, appendicitis remains one of the most common causes of emergency surgery in the country. The most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain, which usually starts out mild and becomes more sharp and severe. Appendicitis pain typically begins near the belly button and ends up in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen with discomfort increasing over
several hours. This worsening of pain indicates that medical attention proves necessary in case the appendix ruptures. If it does rupture, then the infection is no longer confined to the appendix; instead, it will spread into the entire abdominal cavity. This is a life-threatening emergency situation.
Rebound Tenderness and Guarding
When pressure is applied to the right lower quadrant area as in a physical examination, severe pain known as rebound tenderness will occur. Additionally, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that commonly during examinations patient's respond by guarding their abdominal muscles by tensing up as the doctor begins to touch and examine the abdominal region. The pain worsens with movement.
Digestive Problems
Other warnings of appendicitis that may occur involve digestive symptoms. While specific signs may vary among individuals, common digestive signs include nausea, loss of appetite, both of which may include vomiting, says the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. In addition, the stomach may become distended. Other examples of possible signs include diarrhea, constipation with hard stool or trouble passing gas.
Fever
Signs of appendicitis also include a fever. Bacteria do not proliferate in an internal environment where a high temperature exists, hence, the function of a fever. Initially, the fever may be low-grade in nature, however, as the appendicitis gets worse with increasing inflammation, the fever will rise. Chills or sweating also may occur. The increasing severity of abdominal pain in concert with a variety of the other warning signs indicates that emergency evaluation is needed. Therefore, should such signs present during a weekend, people should not to wait until the next day or longer to go to an emergency room.
