Appendicitis Symptoms

The appendix is a narrow and tubular pouch that is attached to the intestines. While this organ has largely been considered to be unnecessary, organ infection of the appendix can cause considerable damage. Current research seems to suggest that the appendix actually produces and protects the good bacteria that are found in the gut and that help in the digestion process. Inflammation and infection of the condition known as appendicitis requires removal of the appendix and through awareness of appendicitis symptoms problematic situations can be identified in time and proper medical help can be sought for the same.

Appendicitis tends to affect as many as 250000 people in United States yearly. In case of acute infection the appendix may be required to be removed and if that is not done then it can result in death. In acute cases the patients may suffer from ruptured appendix. In most cases appendicitis and the related appendicitis symptoms tend to affect people in their twenties. In rare cases neonatal and prenatal appendicitis may be observed.

The common appendicitis symptoms include abdominal pain. Such pain is usually experienced in middle or lower abdominal region. This may be accompanied with fever and in some cases vomiting may also be observed. In case the abdominal pain is experienced for a period of more than 4 hours then it is important to seek prompt medical evaluation. The abdominal pain experienced with appendicitis tends to occur quite suddenly.

The abdominal pain experienced in appendicitis is different from other pain that may have been experienced earlier. In many cases the pain also tends to get worse and it may become worse while coughing, sneezing or moving around. The other appendicitis symptoms include loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal swelling and problems in passing gas. Those suffering from the symptoms associated with appendicitis also feel that the discomfort may be relieved by passing stool.

The appendicitis symptoms may develop over a period of 4 to 48 hours. In this period the patient may experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain and vomiting. In some cases there may not be any changes in the bowel habits. It is quite difficult to make a diagnosis of the condition in the initial stages as the early symptoms may seem to be similar to those experienced in gastroenteritis. In fact in many cases appendicitis may be misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis.

Children as well as elderly individuals tend to experience fewer appendicitis symptoms. In many cases children and elderly individuals may also find it difficult to effectively describe the symptoms experienced by them. The diagnosis of the condition can be done based on the symptoms experienced by the patients. Along with the symptoms elevated blood cell count can also be indicative of appendicitis. The diagnosis can also be done based on CT scans of pelvis and abdomen. A person suffering from appendicitis also experiences intense pain if the lower right area of the stomach is pressed. Treatment for the condition may include prescription of antibiotics or surgery using general anesthesia.