Anybody who’s had appendicitis will tell you that pain is unlike any other kind of pain.
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped protrusion of the colon. It is found in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Its purpose remains to be unknown.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency that requires prompt surgery to remove the appendix. It may be acute or chronic. Symptoms of appendicitis include:
The pain increases with time. In much more severe cases, there may be visible abdominal swelling.
No one is absolutely convinced what the purpose of the appendix is. If your appendix becomes infected or inflamed, failing to remove it could be fatal - it could kill a person.
One thing we do know: We can live without it, without noticeable consequences.
For most individuals there are no long-term consequences of removing the appendix. But how does appendicitis happen? Why causes it to make it hurt? It can also be caused by:
When the appendix is obstructed, bacteria can multiply within the organ. This leads to the formation of pus. The increased pressure can be painful.
It is widespread and can affect anyone of any age and should not be ignored or overlooked. Kids, adolescents, adults. Teenagers and young adults are the most generally affected. About 6 in 100 people have appendicitis at some time in their lives. It is slightly more common in men than in women.
If you have right side tenderness along with any of these other symptoms, talk to a doctor. Appendicitis can quickly become a medical emergency. Rupture rarely happens within the first 24 hours of symptoms.
References:
http://www.medicinenet.com/appendicitis/article.htm#appendicitis_facts
http://www.everydayhealth.com/appendicitis/symptoms/
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped protrusion of the colon. It is found in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Its purpose remains to be unknown.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency that requires prompt surgery to remove the appendix. It may be acute or chronic. Symptoms of appendicitis include:
- lower right side abdominal pain
- pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- inability to pass gas
- abdominal swelling
- low grade fever
- a sense you might feel better after passing stool
The pain increases with time. In much more severe cases, there may be visible abdominal swelling.
No one is absolutely convinced what the purpose of the appendix is. If your appendix becomes infected or inflamed, failing to remove it could be fatal - it could kill a person.
One thing we do know: We can live without it, without noticeable consequences.
For most individuals there are no long-term consequences of removing the appendix. But how does appendicitis happen? Why causes it to make it hurt? It can also be caused by:
- obstruction
- enlarged lymphoid follicles
- worms
- trauma
- tumors
When the appendix is obstructed, bacteria can multiply within the organ. This leads to the formation of pus. The increased pressure can be painful.
It is widespread and can affect anyone of any age and should not be ignored or overlooked. Kids, adolescents, adults. Teenagers and young adults are the most generally affected. About 6 in 100 people have appendicitis at some time in their lives. It is slightly more common in men than in women.
If you have right side tenderness along with any of these other symptoms, talk to a doctor. Appendicitis can quickly become a medical emergency. Rupture rarely happens within the first 24 hours of symptoms.
References:
http://www.medicinenet.com/appendicitis/article.htm#appendicitis_facts
http://www.everydayhealth.com/appendicitis/symptoms/