Appendicitis – Symptoms And Risk Factors
It is essential to get proper medical care as soon as you notice the first symptoms of appendicitis.
The appendix is a sac-shaped organ connected to the large intestine. It does not perform any vital function, so we can survive without it. The exact role of the appendix is still unknown. Researchers suspect that this organ contains certain tissues that help the immune system fight pathogens.
Appendicitis involves inflammation of the appendix. If the patient does not get proper treatment, he risks breaking his appendix. In this situation, the patient’s life is in danger.
Inflammation of the appendix can cause many symptoms. In addition, the appendix may rupture 48-72 hours after the onset of appendicitis. For this reason, you need to know the symptoms of this disease well, so that you can know if your appendix has become inflamed or not.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Abdominal pain
The first symptoms of appendicitis are the slow onset of cramps, diarrhea or abdominal pain. The appendix becomes inflamed, causing irritation of the mucous membranes in the abdomen.
This irritation can cause sharp pain in the lower right abdomen. The pain must be constant and severe in order to be considered a possible symptom of appendicitis. Some people also feel pain in other parts of the body, especially in the lumbar region or pelvis.
Mild fever
Appendicitis produces a fever ranging from 37.1 ºC to 38 ºC (98.9-100.4 ºF). In addition, the patient may experience cold sweats. If the appendix ruptures, the resulting infection can increase the patient’s body temperature, reaching as much as 38.2 ºC (100.9 ºF).
Digestive problems
Appendicitis can cause symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. The patient may lose appetite, feel unable to eat, and experience severe constipation or diarrhea.
Also appendicitis may hinder elimination of intestinal gas. When this happens, it may be a partial or total obstruction of the intestines. Of course, this symptom is associated with inflammation of the appendix.
Symptoms of appendicitis in children
Children are not always able to describe how they feel. They often fail to identify the exact place where they feel pain, and can say that their entire abdomen hurts.
It is not easy to see if the pain you experience is caused by appendicitis or not. After all, it can be confused with another health problem, such as viral or urinary tract infections. But if you suspect it may be appendicitis, you need to be very careful.
A broken appendix is a great danger to any patient. But the risk of dying is much higher for babies and young children. Children under the age of two have the following symptoms when suffering from appendicitis:
- vomiting
- Abdominal dilation or bloating
- Sensitivity in the abdomen
Children and adolescents are at increased risk of experiencing symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- vomiting
- Pain in the lower right abdomen
Symptoms of appendicitis during pregnancy
Many of the symptoms of appendicitis can mimic those associated with pregnancy, including stomach cramps and nausea. But many pregnant patients do not have the classic symptoms of appendicitis, especially at the end of pregnancy.
During pregnancy the appendix is located much higher due to the development of the uterus. For this reason, the patient may experience pain in the upper abdomen, not the lower right. Pregnant women with appendicitis often have symptoms such as:
- Heartburn
- Intestinal gas
- Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea
What are the risk factors? How can you prevent appendicitis?
Appendicitis can start at any age, but most patients are between 10 and 30 years old. Both men and women have the same risk of appendicitis.
Although it cannot be prevented, there are certain precautions we can take to reduce our risk of appendicitis. A high-fiber diet could help us with this. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and opt for foods that contain fiber such as:
- Raspberry
- apples
- pears
- Artichoke
- green peas
- Broccoli and lentils
- Black beans
- Branches
- Barley
- Oatmeal
Increasing fiber intake prevents constipation and reduces the accumulation of feces. These two factors are the most common causes of appendicitis.
Remember, you should consult a doctor immediately if you or someone around you has the symptoms mentioned in this article. No natural remedy can help you treat appendicitis. In fact, many of them could aggravate the problem. Only a doctor can give you the help you need.
Your specialist may ask for a urine sample to check for an infection. Moreover, it could subject you to an abdominal sonogram or a CT scan. These exams can determine how inflamed the appendix is.
