Appendicitis occurs when the appendix, a finger-like appendage of the large intestine, becomes infected. Although the biological significance of the appendix remains a controversial topic, research presented in a 1999 article in "Scientific American" suggests the appendix plays an important role in immune functions. The appendix contains mucus, which drains into the large intestine. When it becomes blocked due to inflamed lymph tissue, an inflammatory bowel disease, or abdominal trauma, the mucus builds up and allows bacteria to grow, resulting in appendicitis. Appendicitis affects approximately 80,000 children per year in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic, causing traditional signs.
Abdominal Pain
The appendix resides in the lower right quadrant of the abdominal cavity; therefore, patients typically feel abdominal pain, the main symptom of appendicitis, in the lower right abdomen. For children, they often describe the pain as occurring around their belly buttons, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The pain caused by appendicitis often comes on suddenly and feels strong enough to awake the patient at night. The pain worsens within hours and feels worse when moving, sneezing or coughing, as described by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Along with the pain the abdomen looks and feels swollen and may be tender to touch.
Digestive Signs
In addition to pain, because the appendix resides near the large intestine, appendicitis can cause several different digestive signs. Most patients experience nausea and vomiting that may be associated with the intense pain. The swollen appendix can interfere with passing stools, causing pain and discomfort that can result in constipation. Passing gas also becomes difficult. Other patients may experience diarrhea. These digestive problems can lead to a loss of appetite.
Urinary Signs
The appendix is also in close proximity to the bladder and the right ureter--the tube leading from the right kidney to the bladder. As the appendix becomes inflamed, it may impede upon these organs causing urinary signs. Appendicitis can cause dysuria---a condition characterized by difficulty and painful urination. It may also cause urinary frequency as the bladder feels pressure from the appendix. If the appendix presses on the bottom portion of the bladder, it may interfere with the ability of the bladder to release urine, thereby causing urinary retention.
Fever
The bacterial infection within the appendix can cause a low-grade fever. If this and the other signs of appendicitis remain untreated, the appendix can burst, allowing the bacteria into the abdominal cavity. A ruptured appendix, which occurs in 30 percent of appendicitis cases, and more often in patients under the age of five, is a medical emergency requiring surgery to remove the appendix and infected fluid, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
