Appendicitis nearly always happens when the inside of appendix gets blocked by something. This makes it swell up, and that makes the blockage worse. The bacteria that always live in intestines start an infection. In appendicitis, there is a serious Risk that appendix may burst. This can happen as soon as 48 to 72 hours after starting Symptoms. Because of this, appendicitis is a medical emergency.
Appendicitis may be caused by various infections, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Or it may happen when the tube that joins appendix with large intestine gets blocked or trapped by stool. Sometimes tumors can cause appendicitis.
The appendix then becomes sore and swollen. The blood supply to the appendix stops as the swelling and soreness get worse. Without enough blood flow, the appendix starts to die. The appendix will burst as its walls start to get holes. These holes let stool, mucus, bacteria, and other things leak through and get inside abdomen and peritonitis occurs.
Appendicitis is the most common cause of sudden (acute) belly pain that requires surgery. It mostly happens in teens and young adults in their 20s, but it can happen at any age. Having a family history of appendicitis may raise Risk, especially in male.
Pain in the abdomen is the most common symptom. This pain:
- May start around belly button area and move to the lower right-hand side of belly, or it may start in the lower right-hand side of belly
- Often gets worse as time goes on
- May feel worse when moving, taking deep breaths, being touched, and coughing or sneezing
- May be felt all over belly if appendix bursts
Other common Symptoms include:
- Upset stomach and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fever and chills
- Trouble having a bowel movement (constipation)
- Diarrhea
- Trouble passing gas
- Swollen belly
- Appendicitis Symptoms may look like other health problems.
The main problem with appendicitis is the Risk of a burst appendix. This may happen if the appendix is not removed quickly. A burst appendix can lead to infection throughout the belly called peritonitis. Peritonitis can be very serious and even cause death if not treated right away.
At this time, there is no known way to stop appendicitis from happening.
