The appendix is a small organ that is attached to your colon. Although it has no essential purpose, it can cause health problems. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus. This inflammation is typically caused by a digestive tract infection or when the large intestine becomes blocked with feces or food. The general method of treatment is appendectomy or removal of the appendix, which occurs approximately 300,000 times annually in the United States, according to the University of Southern California.
Pain and Tenderness
Appendicitis is characterized by pain at the navel that radiates to the lower right abdomen. The pain may start suddenly, sometimes in the middle of the night, and increases in severity within the first 12 to 18 hours. The pain is described as sharp and tends to worsen when you cough, sneeze, walk or are jarred by movement in any way. Pain is typically the first indicator of appendicitis and is usually a precursor to other symptoms. Even after the pain subsides, you may experience tenderness and swelling in the abdominal area. Notify your doctor immediately before taking any type of medication, as some medications can worsen symptoms.
Changes in Excretory Symptoms
Because your digestive tract is inflamed, you will experience changes in your excretory functions. You may notice a changed in your bowel movements, either an increase or decrease, leading to constipation or diarrhea. You may also feel bloated with an inability to pass gas. Urinating frequently or experiencing pain during urination may also occur. An X-ray may reveal that you have intestinal adhesions (particles that have adhered to the walls of your intestines), which will help your doctor pinpoint the site of infection or inflammation.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Appendicitis often causes flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and low-grade fever (102 degrees or lower). These symptoms typically follow the onset of primary symptoms and are more noticeable at the height of the infection. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. In some cases these symptoms dissipate as the primary symptoms are treated; however, your doctor may need to treat them separately.
Complications
If left untreated or if the appendix is not removed, there is a chance that the appendix could rupture, which can result in death. Additional complications include recurring appendicitis, inflammation of the abdominal lining, development of abscesses, sepsis (infection of the blood), Fallopian tube obstruction, female infertility and other infections.
