Appendicitis pain is severe enough to send most people to the hospital for a diagnosis. It is important, however, to realize how serious appendicitis is and how quickly it can progress. Waiting several days to see if symptoms subside can be the difference between life and death. While modern medicine has improved the survivability for people with appendicitis, it is still a dangerous condition.
Types
Appendicitis can develop from an obstruction or an infection. The appendix has a small opening where it connects to the digestive tract. Waste from the digestive tract can block this opening, leading to appendicitis. Following an illness of the gastrointestinal tract, a secondary infection of the appendix can occur. Regardless of how the problem develops, the only treatment option is removal of the appendix.
Time Frame
Once pain begins in the abdomen, the symptoms will increase over the course of 6 to 12-hours. If not treated within this period, the appendix may burst. This will initially lead to a decrease in pain as the pressure in the abdomen is relieved. However, the pain will return within hours as the infected contents of the appendix spread throughout the abdominal cavity.
Identification
A dull ache around the navel that becomes more acute and shifts to the right side of the abdomen is the textbook symptom of appendicitis. There is an area known as McBurney's Point that is halfway between the navel and the pelvic bone. This is the area where appendicitis pain is concentrated. Other symptoms of appendicitis include a low-grade fever, swelling of the abdomen, painful urination and either constipation or diarrhea.
Effects
It is vital that a patient believed to have appendicitis visit the hospital immediately. If the appendix ruptures, the patient can become very ill. With prompt treatment, the patient can have his appendix removed, and after recovering from abdominal surgery, regain his health rather quickly. Appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for emergency surgery in the U.S..
Warning
Appendicitis is most common in children and young adults. Without treatment, the appendix may burst, leading to peritonitis, a widespread internal infection. It is important not to waste time in attempting to diagnose appendicitis as home. Surgery to remove the appendix before it bursts results in a smoother recovery than surgery to remove it after it has burst.
