Appendicitis develops when the organ becomes inflamed. It usually causes pain in the abdomen that increases within 12 to 18 hours when it becomes severe. The sufferer may not be able to sit comfortably. Medical help should be sought immediately. Surgery is necessary to remove the appendix, which has no known purpose. Appendicitis most often strikes people age 10 to 30, but it can occur in anyone, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Abdominal Pain
Symptoms may occur suddenly near the navel and then move to the lower right of the abdomen. The person may wake up if symptoms strike at night. The pain often is described as something never felt before, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) says. It gets worse within a few hours as well as when moving, coughing, sneezing or taking deep breaths.
Pain to the Touch
Applying pressure to the lower right abdomen may reveal tenderness. A sharp pain may be experienced when pressing the lower right abdomen and then quickly releasing the pressure.
Sick Feeling
Someone with appendicitis may suffer a loss of appetite as well as nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include constipation or diarrhea, the inability to pass gas and a feeling that a bowel movement will bring comfort. A low-grade fever and abdominal swelling also may be present. However, these symptoms may mimic other disorders, the NDDIC says. The abdominal pain may be a sign of intestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease or pelvic inflammatory disease. A medical professional can diagnose the problem. If appendicitis is suspected, a doctor may order surgery immediately.
False Hope
The pain may lessen at first if the appendix ruptures. It can make the person feel better and relieved; however, this is only temporary. The lining of the abdominal cavity eventually will become inflamed and infected, which causes worse pain and sickness.
Symptoms Vary
People may have varied symptoms and the location of the pain may vary. The pain of appendicitis may be different for young children and pregnant women because of a different position of the appendix. Children cannot always accurately describe the pains they are experiencing, so parents are advised to take their child to a doctor if he exhibits worrisome symptoms. This also may be the case for people who are mentally impaired and are unable to describe the feelings. If there are confusing symptoms that don't fit the classic symptoms of appendicitis, a doctor can use laboratory or imaging tests to determine the problem.
