{"id":1038,"date":"2017-07-17T08:03:33","date_gmt":"2017-07-17T08:03:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1038"},"modified":"2021-05-13T18:36:41","modified_gmt":"2021-05-13T18:36:41","slug":"16-common-symptoms-appendicitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-common-symptoms-appendicitis\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Most Common Symptoms of Appendicitis"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes swollen and painful. The appendix is a small and thin pounch that is roughly 5-10cm long and is attached to the large intestine where feces is held.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, it is uncertain precisely what the role of the appendix is. Some theories suggest that this is a \u2018vestigial\u2019 organ, thereby meaning that it is a leftover from our evolutionary history that actually serves no important role today.<\/p>\n

Other theories suggest that the appendix might have a similar function to a ladybird garden \u2013 the aim being to nurture and cultivate beneficial bacteria that serves a range of important functions in the body such as combating bad bacteria and producing useful digestive enzymes and hormones.<\/p>\n

Whatever the case, the appendix can be removed without causing obvious or immediate harm to the patient. But it can also become inflamed and swollen due to an infection or another cause, just like any other part of the body. This can then in turn cause a number of unwanted side effects. In this post, we\u2019ll take a look at some of those symptoms, what they point to and what you can do to alleviate them.<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Abdominal Pain<\/h3>\n

The most common symptom of appendicitis<\/a> is abdominal pain, which is caused directly by the swelling of the organ. This pain will usually begin around the belly button but tends to move gradually down to the lower side of the abdomen. This pain normally takes around 12-24 hours to make the journey.<\/p>\n

Of course, any kind of inflammation can cause discomfort and this is simply the body\u2019s way of telling you that you have a problem and that you need to take it easy. Meanwhile, you can find some respite from this pain by using analgesics (painkillers) which will change the way that pain is interpreted in the brain. Ibuprofen or Paracetamol will do the trick. Alternatively, try applying heat to the area. You can do this by taking a warm bath (which should also be relaxing) or by using a hot water bottle.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Worsens With movement<\/h3>\n

The pain caused by appendicitis will typically get worse if the patient moves around. This is especially the case if they take a deep breath, if they need to cough or if they sneeze.<\/p>\n

Again, you should take this as a sign from your body and stop engaging in the activities that you normally would. If something such as bending causes pain<\/a>, then try to avoid engaging in that activity!<\/p>\n

The appendix is located at the junction of the small and large intestine and is around four inches long. This is found in the lower right abdomen so this is where to look out for the pain. However, the inflammation can also affect the surrounding area and might place pressure on other organs \u2013 so don\u2019t rule this out as a cause just because the pain is felt elsewhere.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Discomfort and Pressure<\/h3>\n

As well as feeling pain that worsens on movement and that moves down the abdomen, you should also look for general discomfort<\/a> which might be felt as a mild pressure against the other organs.<\/p>\n

Again, this is potentially caused by the increased space that the appendix is now taking up \u2013 as it now places pressure on other organs and even on the abdominal muscles themselves.<\/p>\n

Note that inflammation in other organs can cause similar effects. For instance, swollen kidneys might cause a feeling of pressure around the sides and back.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Upper Right Pain<\/h3>\n

The position of the pain might be slightly different in women who are pregnant. In pregnant women, the appendix migrates upward in order to make space for the womb and the fetus<\/a>. This in turn means that the location for the pain and pressure is now the upper right hand side of the abdomen.<\/p>\n

If you notice any pain in the stomach, it is important to visit the doctor promptly. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of complication. Not only that, but this becomes even more important for women who are pregnant.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Loss of Appetite<\/h3>\n

A common symptom of appendicitis is a loss of appetite<\/a>. Not all people who suffer the condition will experience this symptom however.<\/p>\n

Loss of appetite may have a number of causes. One is that the individual is experiencing pressure on the stomach that makes them feel full. This of course makes them less inclined to eat. Another possibility is that the sufferer simply feels ill from fighting an infection or inflammation and the body responds to this by reducing appetite.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Fever<\/h3>\n

In some cases, appendicitis might cause symptoms of an infection. There are two possible explanations for this. One is that the appendicitis itself is caused by an infection that has led to swelling and pain. The other issue is that the appendicitis can cause infections. This is because the enlarged appendix might cause a build up of bacteria, thereby making infection much more likely.<\/p>\n

A fever is not something to worry about in most cases, as long as temperatures<\/a> do not get too high. This is simply the body\u2019s way of fighting bacteria and viruses, by making the environment of your body a less hospitable place.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n

During an infection, it is common to experience nausea and vomiting<\/a> as the body attempts to purge itself of any offending pathogens. However, it is also possible that nausea and vomiting can be caused by the inflammation and pressure that this might place on the stomach.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the act of vomiting can actually place further strain on the stomach and thereby cause more pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Constipation<\/h3>\n

One of the main causes of appendicitis is a blockage. More often than not, this blockage is caused by feces and that suggests a connection with constipation<\/a>. At the same time though, inflammation of the appendix can also lead to constipation if it prevents stool from passing through the intestines and then it is allowed to build up in the system.<\/p>\n

There are many things you can do to improve constipation. Using a warm compress can help to relax the muscles and allow stool to pass. It\u2019s also a good idea to drink lots of water to help dilute the stool and to increase your intake of fiber. Prunes are especially effective against constipation due to the content of sorbitol which absorbs water and draws it into the stool.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Diarrhea<\/h3>\n

Conversely, appendicitis can also cause diarrhea<\/a>. This can occur as the body is constantly trying to void itself and solve the issue that is affecting the appendix. You might find you need to go to the toilet often and that it is very soft and rapid.<\/p>\n

Make sure to keep drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration and eat solid food that will help to provide bulk for the stool.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Dehydration<\/h3>\n

If you are suffering from appendicitis, then you might be at greater risk of dehydration<\/a>. This is caused not only by the increased temperature but also by vomiting and diarrhea.<\/p>\n

This is why it is so important to drink lots of water during any kind of infection or inflammation. Not only does this prevent the many unwanted side effects of dehydration but it can also support the body in fighting the cause of the appendicitis.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Swelling<\/h3>\n

In some cases, it is possible that the inflammation of the appendix can get so severe that it ends up being visible externally. This can create the effect of a swollen stomach<\/a> or a protrusion that is tender to touch.<\/p>\n

There are other potential causes of this problem however, so always be sure to look for symptoms as clusters, rather than assessing them each individually.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0Bloating and Gas<\/h3>\n

Alongside the swelling, you might also feel bloated<\/a>. This can contribute to a loss of appetite and make it more common that you pass wind. You might find that eating just small amounts of food makes you feel fuller than it normally would.<\/p>\n

Many of the symptoms that cause appendicitis can also contribute to weight loss. If you have lost a lot of weight quickly, then it is possible that this may be caused by appendicitis.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Age<\/h3>\n

Note that the symptoms can vary slightly depending on the age<\/a> of the individual. Appendicitis is typically harder to identify in older adults and the elderly, as the symptoms are much less noticeable.<\/p>\n

Specifically, young children and infants are more likely to exhibit the symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, tenderness and swelling. This means that the main symptoms for older adults are very similar to those caused by any other kind of infection.<\/p>\n

Age can also be considered a risk factor. Anyone can develop appendicitis, but it is actually most common in patients aged 10-20 years old.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0Tiredness<\/h3>\n

Whenever the body is fighting an infection or an illness, it will become tired and lethargic<\/a>. In these scenarios, all our energy is being directed toward the immune system to help drive out bacteria.<\/p>\n

Remember too, that appendicitis can cause a build up of more bacteria and this in turn can create other problems and place more of a strain on the immune system. Eventually, you might find that you feel generally run down and tired, or that you suffer from other illnesses such as colds.<\/p>\n

Another common symptom is that you feel mentally drained and may experience brain fog. This is actually caused by the same pro-inflammatory cytokines that signal inflammation in the body. When these enter the brain, they can cause inflammation there as well and this in turn leads to muddled thinking and difficulty with concentration.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Illness<\/h3>\n

As mentioned, it is more common to get ill if you are experiencing appendicitis due to the build up of bacteria<\/a>. Not only does this bacteria pose a threat itself but it also requires attention from the immune system, robbing energy that might need to be used for other things.<\/p>\n

Appendicitis can also be caused by various illnesses. For example, it may be the result of respiratory tract infection which cause swollen lymph nodes in the walls of the bowels, thereby leading to obstruction and thus inflammation.<\/p>\n

\"\"16. \u00a0Bursting<\/h3>\n

In the worst cases, appendicitis can lead to the appendix bursting. It is very important to look out for signs of this, as it is very dangerous and can cause life-threatening complications.<\/p>\n

If the pain seems to be getting worse rapidly and isn\u2019t alleviated by changing position, then it may be that your appendix is leaking into the surrounding tissue<\/a>. Call a doctor urgently for advice.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, you can make your way to your physician more slowly \u2013 but it is still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to begin combating the infection and to prevent it from getting to that point.<\/p>\n\r\n

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