What Are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a condition that results when the appendix becomes inflamed. Although its function is unknown, the appendix may play a role in immune system function. Appendicitis symptoms typically include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Other symptoms may include diarrhea or constipation. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Untreated appendicitis can lead to peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal cavity, which can be fatal. (3)
Pain
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of appendicitis. Most patients with appendicitis typically present with pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The pain often begins as a vague discomfort around the navel that localizes to the lower right side of the abdomen over time. Pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The pain may worsen over time and eventually become constant. The abdominal pain or tenderness associated with appendicitis may become worse on coughing, sneezing, taking deep breaths, or moving. Walking can aggravate the pain and therefore most doctors recommend bed rest in this condition.
Feeling sick
If you are feeling sick and have a fever, it could be apendicitis – a serious condition that may require surgery to remove the appendix. It often begins with vague symptoms such as cramps, pain, or nausea. As the condition progresses, these symptoms may become more severe. These events cause the patient to feel sick and nauseated.
The earlier appendicitis is diagnosed and treated, the less likely you are to experience this symptom. Other associated symptoms include nausea and vomiting. See your doctor or general surgeon if you are feeling sick or experiencing any of these symptoms.
Nausea
Nausea is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. It often precedes vomiting, but may occur without vomiting. Nausea can be brought on by many things, including motion sickness, food poisoning, or appendicitis. It can also be secondary to the side effects of medications you take to treat appendicitis, such as antibiotics.
Nausea can occur in the early stages of the disease or later on as the appendix becomes more inflamed. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.
Vomiting
Appendicitis is a condition that is commonly accompanied by vomiting. In fact, vomiting is often the first sign that someone might have appendicitis. This occurs because the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus. This pressure can then cause the stomach to empty its contents into the small intestine.
Although many people believe that vomiting is a sign that the appendix has ruptured, this is not always the case. Vomiting can occur in appendicitis for a number of reasons, including the release of bacteria from the appendix into the abdominal cavity and pressure on the stomach from the enlarged appendix. Although vomiting may not always be a sign of a serious problem, it is still important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of appendicitis. It is commonly associated with the patient’s feeling of sickness or nausea. Intense abdominal pain and tenderness also prevent the patient from eating. However, the exact reason for the loss of appetite is not completely understood, but it is thought to be related to the inflammation and infection that occur with appendicitis. Other symptoms that may accompany the loss of appetite include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Left untreated, appendicitis can lead to serious health complications.
Constipation
Constipation is a common problem during the course of appendicitis. It occurs in up to 80% of patients and is often the first sign that something is wrong. The cause is not entirely clear, but may be due to inflammation of the bowel or changes in the way food moves through the intestine. Treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids, eating high-fiber foods, and using laxatives if needed.
There are many theories on why constipation might occur in appendicitis. One theory is that the appendix becomes inflamed and blocked, which causes the intestine to become backed up with stool. This slow-moving intestine may then cause the bacteria that normally live in the intestines to overgrow and spread infection. Another theory suggests that when the appendix becomes inflamed, it may push against the large intestine and block the flow of stool. This would result in constipation.
Diarrhea
The function of the appendix is unknown, but it may help in the digestion of food. When the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause a number of symptoms, including diarrhea. It can occur when the appendix ruptures and the bacteria and other material from the appendix spread throughout the abdomen. The diarrhea may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
A high temperature
Appendicitis is a condition that typically results in inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is not necessary for human survival, and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause a great deal of pain and a high grade fever. The fever usually develops quickly and may range from 100 to 104 F. This high grade fever can cause severe nausea and a constant feeling of being sick. In most of the cases, antipyretics (such as paracetamol or ibrufen) are necessary to reduce the fever. Cold ice packs in the armpits and other body areas can also help to lower fever quickly.
If you experience a high fever along with other symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain and nausea, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Left untreated, high fever can lead to serious health complications.
A flushed face
One of the first signs of appendicitis is a sudden and intense facial flush. This occurs because the appendix becomes blocked and trapped with fecal matter. The build-up of pressure in the appendix forces bacteria and toxins to spread throughout the abdomen. The exact cause of the flushing is unknown, but it may be related to inflammation or the release of chemicals from the appendix. Another possible explanation is flushing due to a high grade fever. This can cause the face to redden and become hot to the touch.
Swollen belly
One of the not-so-common symptoms of appendicitis is swelling of the belly. A mild swelling of the belly is usually the first sign that something is wrong in the right side of the abdomen. When it becomes inflamed, the appendix can swell and cause the stomach to become bloated and enlarged. Further, the release and accumulation of toxins in the abdomen can also contribute to swelling of the belly in this condition.
Inability to pass gas
One symptom of appendicitis is obstruction of the appendix by gas or stool. This can lead to an accumulation of bacteria and pus in the appendix, which can cause it to rupture. Gas cannot escape the abdomen because the appendix is inflamed and blocking the opening of the intestine. Bloating and discomfort become worse as the gas accumulates. Surgery is the only possible option to treat bowel obstruction caused by appendicitis.