Emergency Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis.

What is appendicitis?
A blockage, or obstruction, in the appendix, can lead to appendicitis, which is an inflammation and infection of your appendix. The blockage may result from a buildup of mucus, parasites, or most commonly, fecal matter.

When there’s an obstruction in the appendix, bacteria can multiply quickly inside the organ. This causes the appendix to become irritated and swollen, ultimately leading to appendicitis.

The appendix is in the lower right side of your abdomen. It’s a narrow, tube-shaped pouch protruding from your large intestine.

Although the appendix is a part of your gastrointestinal tract, it’s a vestigial organ. This means that it provides no vital function and that you may live a normal, healthy life without it.

The purpose of the appendix is unknown. Some believe it contains tissue that helps your immune system process infections in your body.

If you don’t get treatment for an inflamed appendix quickly, it can rupture and release dangerous bacteria into your abdomen. The resulting infection is called peritonitis. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Having a ruptured appendix is a life-threatening situation. Rupture rarely happens within the first 24 hours of symptoms, but the risk of rupture rises dramatically after 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

It’s very important to recognize the early symptoms of appendicitis so that you can seek medical treatment immediately.

Symptoms of appendicitis

Appendicitis causes a variety of symptoms, including:

• abdominal pain
• low fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficulty passing gas

Not all people will have the same symptoms, but it’s crucial that you see a doctor as quickly as possible.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the appendix can rupture as quickly as 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms.

Go to the hospital immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms.

Abdominal pain

Appendicitis usually involves a gradual onset of dull, cramping, or aching pain throughout the abdomen.

As the appendix becomes more swollen and inflamed, it will irritate the lining of the abdominal wall, known as the peritoneum.

This causes localized, sharp pain in the right lower part of the abdomen. The pain tends to be more constant and severe than the dull, aching pain that occurs when symptoms start.

However, some people may have an appendix that lies behind the colon. Appendicitis that occurs in these people can cause lower back pain or pelvic pain.

Mild fever

Appendicitis usually causes a fever between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.5°F (38°C). You may also have the chills.

If your appendix bursts, the resulting infection could cause your fever to rise. A fever greater than 101°F (38.3°) and an increase in heart rate may mean that the appendix has ruptured.

Digestive upset

Appendicitis can cause nausea and vomiting. You may lose your appetite and feel like you can’t eat. You may also become constipated or develop severe diarrhea.

If you’re having trouble passing gas, this may be a sign of a partial or total obstruction of your bowel. This may be related to underlying appendicitis.

Symptoms of appendicitis in children

Always take your child to the hospital if you suspect they have appendicitis.

Children aren’t always able to describe how they’re feeling. They also may have a difficult time pinpointing the pain, and they may say that the pain is in their entire abdomen. This can make it difficult to determine that appendicitis is the cause.

Parents can easily mistake appendicitis for a stomach bug or urinary tract infection (UTI).

It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to appendicitis. A ruptured appendix can be dangerous for anyone, but the risk of death is highest in infants and toddlers.

Children ages 2 and younger often show the following symptoms of appendicitis:

• vomiting
• abdominal bloating or swelling
• a tender abdomen
• Older children and teenagers are more likely to experience:
• nausea
• vomiting
• pain in the lower right side of the abdomen

Symptoms of appendicitis during pregnancy

Many appendicitis symptoms are similar to the discomforts of pregnancy. These include stomach cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

However, pregnant women may not always have the classic symptoms of appendicitis, especially late in pregnancy. The growing uterus pushes the appendix higher during pregnancy. This means pain may occur in the upper abdomen instead of the lower right side of the abdomen.

Pregnant women with appendicitis are also more likely to experience heartburn, gas, or alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea.