Appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, can either be chronic or acute. And if left untreated, appendicitis can swell and burst, leaking all the infected contents into the abdomen which can lead to a life-threatening infection.
As there is no way or method to predict who can get appendicitis, spotting the early signs of appendicitis is important for its early diagnosis. The very first symptom if one has appendicitis is that of experiencing pain around the belly button.
There is no specific time or age for appendicitis but is usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 35 and more males suffer from it than females. Not everyone gets the same symptoms, but it is quite important to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
What are the various symptoms of appendicitis?
There are varieties of symptoms of appendicitis and not all have the same symptoms. But it becomes important to see a doctor as quickly as possible if you notice these symptoms.
- Pain in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Mild Fever
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Pain in the abdomen
When you have appendicitis, you will experience a dull or aching pain throughout the abdomen. And as the appendix is inflamed it tends to irritate the abdominal wall lining. This further causes a sharp pain in the right lower part of the abdomen which over the time becomes more severe and constant than the pain you experienced earlier. But there are some people who can have an appendix that lies behind the colon and for them, it can cause lower back pain or pelvic pain.
Low-Grade Fever
You may have a mild fever if you have appendicitis. A low-grade fever between 99 degrees and 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit with chills is the common symptom of appendicitis. And in case your appendix bursts, the resulting infection may lead to cause the fever to rise.
Pain in belly button
It is usually in the lower right side of the abdomen that the appendicitis pain starts. But the very first sign would be the discomfort near the belly button which then slowly moves to the lower abdomen. The pain also gets worse if one sneezes or coughs or moves their leg or abdomen.
Digestive upset
Nausea and vomiting are also normal causes for appendicitis. There may be days when you do not have an appetite and feel like you cannot eat food. You may also develop severe diarrhea or become constipated. And if you are having trouble passing gas, this could be a sign of total or partial obstruction of your bowel. This could be related to underlying appendicitis you may be having.
Risk factors and prevention
Although there is no way that you can prevent appendicitis, there are various steps you can consider for lowering your risk. You may less likely to have appendicitis if you take a diet rich in fiber. Increase your fiber intake by eating a healthy diet that contains lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. There are several foods that are high in fiber like, apples, pears, green peas, lentils, black beans etc. The increase in intake of amount of fiber in your diet can further prevent constipation and also stool buildup. Stool buildup is also the most common cause of appendicitis.
In case if you suffer from a condition that is causing infection or inflammation of the bowels, it is better that you see a doctor.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you are experiencing acute symptoms of right/lower abdominal pain with mild fever and also nausea and vomiting, you need to see a doctor immediately.
And if your abdominal pain continues for more than four to five hours, you need to seek urgent medical attention.
Why Ravi Hospital
Ravi Hospital has a team of experienced and high qualified doctors for the right diagnosis and effective treatment. Our team includes senior gastroenterologists like Dr. Pandu Ranga Rao (M.D. DM), Dr. Pavan Kumar (MS) and Dr. Y Nagarjuna Kumar (M.D.D.M). The hospital has the credit of performing over 1000 successful appendicitis surgeries over the last decade.
Ravi Hospital provides Laparoscopic surgeries. A laparoscope is an advanced surgical technique, that reduces patient discomfort, improves speedy recovery, with minimal scars from small incisions. Our doctors are experts at laparoscopic surgeries.
The hospital is equipped with round-the-clock Intensive Care Unit, Critical care team, laboratory, and CT Scan services make a possible quick diagnosis and efficient surgery and post-operative care. They are patient-centric and offer affordable services.
