What causes an appendix to burst. How does a ruptured appendix feel. What are the symptoms of appendicitis. How long does recovery from a burst appendix take. Can you survive a ruptured appendix.

Understanding Appendicitis: The Precursor to a Ruptured Appendix

Appendicitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped sac located on the lower right side of the abdomen. While the exact function of the appendix remains debatable, its inflammation can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

Why does appendicitis occur? The precise cause is not always clear, but experts believe it often results from an infection that triggers inflammation inside the appendix. This can happen when something blocks the opening of the appendix, allowing bacteria to become trapped and multiply rapidly.

• Blockages caused by viruses, parasites, or stool buildup
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Infections leading to swelling and inflammation

Is appendicitis more common in certain groups? Indeed, some factors can increase the risk of developing appendicitis:

• Age: Most common in children and teens between 10 and 20 years old
• Gender: More frequent in individuals assigned male at birth
• Family history: Having relatives with a history of appendicitis
• Cystic fibrosis: Children with this condition are at higher risk

Recognizing the Symptoms of Appendicitis

Identifying appendicitis can be challenging as its symptoms often mimic other abdominal conditions. However, recognizing these signs early is crucial for preventing complications such as a ruptured appendix.

Classic Symptoms of Appendicitis

What are the telltale signs of appendicitis? The most common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, typically starting around the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen
• Pain that intensifies with movement or coughing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Abdominal bloating or swelling

Are the symptoms the same for everyone? Not necessarily. Symptoms can vary, especially in children and older adults:

• In babies and young children: Pain may be more widespread across the abdomen
• In older adults: Abdominal tenderness might be less pronounced, and pain could be milder

The Progression from Appendicitis to Rupture

When appendicitis goes untreated, it can lead to a ruptured appendix. But how quickly can this happen? Typically, an appendix can burst within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. This emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention promptly when appendicitis is suspected.

What happens during the rupture process? As the appendix becomes more inflamed, pressure builds up inside it. Eventually, this pressure becomes too great, causing the appendix wall to develop a hole or tear. This allows bacteria and pus to leak into the abdominal cavity.

Risk Factors for Appendix Rupture

What increases the likelihood of an appendix rupturing? The primary risk factor is delayed treatment. The longer appendicitis goes untreated, the higher the risk of rupture:

• After 36 hours of symptoms, the risk is about 2%
• The risk increases by approximately 5% every 12 hours thereafter

Are certain groups more at risk for a ruptured appendix? Research suggests that younger children are more likely to experience a rupture. This is often because they have difficulty articulating their symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

The Moment of Rupture: What Does It Feel Like?

When an appendix ruptures, the experience can be quite intense. Many people report severe abdominal pain, often accompanied by other symptoms.

What are the immediate sensations during an appendix rupture? Patients often describe:

• A sharp, severe pain in the lower right abdomen
• A sensation of something “popping” or “tearing” inside
• Sudden relief from the intense pressure, followed by more diffuse pain

Is the pain always localized? Not necessarily. While the pain often starts in the lower right abdomen, it can spread across the entire abdominal area as bacteria and pus enter the abdominal cavity.

Post-Rupture Symptoms

What happens after the appendix bursts? The immediate aftermath can be confusing for patients, as they might initially feel some relief due to the release of pressure. However, this relief is short-lived, and new symptoms quickly emerge:

• High fever (often above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Chills and sweating
• Weakness and fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal swelling
• Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement

Complications of a Ruptured Appendix: Understanding Peritonitis

One of the most serious complications of a ruptured appendix is peritonitis. But what exactly is peritonitis? It’s an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, caused by bacteria entering this sterile space after the appendix ruptures.

How does peritonitis manifest? The symptoms can be severe and include:

• Intense, constant abdominal pain
• Abdominal rigidity or “board-like” abdomen
• High fever and chills
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Decreased urine output

Why is peritonitis so dangerous? If left untreated, peritonitis can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation and organ failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment of a Ruptured Appendix

Diagnosing a ruptured appendix requires prompt medical attention and various diagnostic tools. How do doctors confirm a ruptured appendix?

• Physical examination: Checking for abdominal tenderness and other symptoms
• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection and inflammation
• Imaging studies: CT scans or ultrasounds to visualize the appendix and surrounding area

What is the standard treatment for a ruptured appendix? The primary treatment involves surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy) and clean the abdominal cavity. This is often followed by a course of intravenous antibiotics to combat the infection.

Surgical Approaches

How is the surgery performed? There are two main surgical approaches:

1. Laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera
2. Open surgery: Traditional method involving a larger incision, often necessary for complicated cases

In some cases, particularly if there’s an abscess, doctors might first drain the abscess and treat with antibiotics before performing the appendectomy.

Recovery and Survival After a Ruptured Appendix

Recovering from a ruptured appendix can be a challenging process, but with proper medical care, the prognosis is generally good. How long does recovery typically take? The recovery period can vary depending on the severity of the rupture and any complications, but generally:

• Hospital stay: 5-7 days on average, potentially longer for severe cases
• Full recovery: 4-6 weeks for most patients

What can patients expect during recovery? The recovery process often involves:

• Gradual return to normal activities
• Continued antibiotic treatment
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Potential dietary changes to support healing

Can you survive a ruptured appendix? With prompt and appropriate treatment, the survival rate for a ruptured appendix is high. However, it’s important to note that a ruptured appendix is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Long-Term Outlook

What is the long-term prognosis after recovering from a ruptured appendix? Most patients who receive timely treatment can expect to make a full recovery without long-term effects. However, some may experience:

• Increased risk of adhesions (scar tissue in the abdomen)
• Potential for future bowel obstructions
• Rare cases of chronic abdominal pain

Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers can help monitor and address any potential long-term effects.

Prevention and Early Detection: Key to Avoiding Appendix Rupture

While appendicitis itself isn’t preventable, recognizing the signs early and seeking prompt medical attention can prevent progression to a ruptured appendix. How can one stay vigilant?

• Be aware of the symptoms of appendicitis
• Don’t ignore persistent abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by fever or vomiting
• Seek medical attention if you suspect appendicitis – don’t wait to see if symptoms improve

Is there any way to reduce the risk of appendicitis? While there’s no guaranteed prevention, some studies suggest that a high-fiber diet may lower the risk of appendicitis. Maintaining good overall health and hygiene practices may also help reduce the risk of infections that could lead to appendicitis.

The Importance of Health Education

How can we improve early detection of appendicitis? Educating the public, especially parents and caregivers, about the signs and symptoms of appendicitis is crucial. This knowledge can lead to earlier medical intervention and potentially prevent cases of ruptured appendix.

Understanding the seriousness of a ruptured appendix underscores the importance of timely medical care for abdominal pain and related symptoms. While the experience can be frightening, with proper medical attention, most patients can expect a full recovery and return to their normal lives.

Causes, Symptoms, Recovery, and Survival

Untreated appendicitis may cause your appendix to rupture (burst), resulting in an infection. Symptoms associated with a ruptured appendix include severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, and weakness.

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. This small, thin, finger-shaped sac is located on the lower right side of your abdomen, where your small and large intestines connect. Most doctors think the appendix doesn’t have an important function and can be removed without causing harmful effects.

If your appendicitis is left untreated, your appendix can rupture (burst). When this happens, bacteria get released into your abdomen and can cause a serious infection.

A ruptured appendix, also known as a perforated appendix, can make you very sick and is sometimes hard to treat.

The risk of rupture increases the longer that appendicitis treatment is delayed. The risk is about 2% 36 hours after symptoms start. After that, the risk increases by about 5% every 12 hours.

The biggest risk factor for a ruptured appendix is delaying treatment for appendicitis. The longer you wait to address your symptoms, the higher your risk.

According to a 2018 literature review, younger children are more likely to have a ruptured appendix than older children. This is because they have more trouble explaining their appendicitis symptoms to others.

The exact cause of appendicitis is unknown, but experts think an infection triggers inflammation inside the appendix.

For instance, If something blocks the opening of the appendix, an infection can follow. Bacteria can get trapped inside the appendix and multiply quickly, causing appendicitis. Viruses, parasites, and stool buildup may cause the blockages and infections that result in appendicitis. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another possible cause of appendicitis.

When appendicitis isn’t treated promptly and correctly, bacteria or pus build up. As this happens, pressure increases and the appendix swells. Eventually, it swells so much that the blood supply to part of the appendix gets cut off. That part of the appendix wall dies, and a hole or tear develops in the dead wall. The high pressure pushes the bacteria and pus into the abdominal cavity.

A ruptured appendix usually oozes or leaks into the abdomen instead of bursting like a balloon.

Risk factors for appendicitis

Appendicitis can happen at any age, but it often affects children and teens between the ages of 10 and 20 years. It’s more common in people who were assigned male at birth.

Having other family members with appendicitis can increase your risk too. Children with cystic fibrosis are also more likely to have appendicitis.

Was this helpful?

Appendicitis symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions that affect the abdomen, such as a stomach virus or an ovarian cyst. For this reason, it can be hard to tell if you have appendicitis.

The classic symptoms of appendicitis are pain starting around the belly button and then vomiting. Several hours later, the pain moves to the lower right abdomen.

If you have these symptoms and think it might be appendicitis, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Quick treatment is essential to avoid a rupture.

Other symptoms of appendicitis include:

• abdominal pain that may start in the upper or middle abdomen but usually settles in the lower right abdomen
• abdominal pain that increases when you walk, stand, jump, cough, or sneeze
• a bloated or swollen abdomen
• tenderness when you push on your abdomen, which may get worse when you quickly stop pressing on it
• an inability to pass gas
• fever
• nausea along with vomiting
• decreased appetite
• constipation or diarrhea

Keep in mind that not everyone who gets appendicitis has these classic symptoms. It’s common for kids and older adults to have more unusual symptoms.

In babies and children, the pain is often spread out all over the abdomen. Caregivers should look for pain that starts around the child’s belly button and moves to the right side, along with appetite loss and fever.

In older people, the abdomen may be less tender, and pain may be less severe.

Appendicitis inflames the appendix and causes it to swell. Without treatment, the pressure eventually reaches the point where the appendix bursts. This can happen as quickly as 48 to 72 hours after your symptoms start.

Once your appendix ruptures, you may have a variety of symptoms. At first, you may feel better for a few hours because the high pressure in your appendix is gone, along with your original symptoms.

Peritonitis

When bacteria leave the intestine and enter the abdominal cavity, the lining of your abdominal cavity becomes inflamed. This condition is called peritonitis.

Peritonitis can be very serious and very painful. It requires immediate treatment.

The symptoms of peritonitis are similar to those of appendicitis, except:

• the pain is in your whole abdomen
• the pain is constant and more severe
• your fever is often higher
• your breathing and heart rate may be fast because of fever, infection, or severe pain
• you may have other symptoms, including chills, weakness, and confusion

Abscess

When you have an infection in your abdomen, the surrounding tissues sometimes try to wall off the infection from the rest of your abdomen. The wall forms an abscess, a closed-off collection of bacteria and pus.

Symptoms of an abscess are also similar to those of appendicitis, except:

• the pain may be in one area (but not always the lower right abdomen), or it may be in your entire abdomen
• the pain can be either a dull ache or sharp and stabbing
• the fever doesn’t go away, even when you take antibiotics
• you may have other symptoms, such as chills and weakness

Sepsis

When left untreated, the bacteria from a ruptured appendix can enter your bloodstream, causing a serious condition called sepsis. Sepsis is inflammation throughout your entire body.

Symptoms of sepsis include:

• fever or a low temperature
• fast heartbeat and breathing
• chills
• weakness
• confusion
• low blood pressure

The treatment for a ruptured appendix is to remove your appendix with surgery.

Doctors sometimes wait to perform surgery on a child who isn’t in any immediate danger. The surgeon will drain infected fluid from the abdomen, have the child take antibiotics, and remove the appendix later. The name for delayed surgery is interval appendectomy.

Peritonitis

The treatment for peritonitis is to clean bacteria out of the abdomen during surgery.

You’ll usually get antibiotics through a vein, at least for the first few days. You may need to receive hospital treatment for 10 to 14 days to ensure the infection is gone.

Abscess

Often, your appendix will be removed right away. If there’s a large abscess, your doctor might want to drain it before surgery. A tube inserted into the abscess lets the bacteria- and pus-filled fluid drain out.

This process can take several weeks. You might go home with the drain in place, and you’ll need to take antibiotics while the drain stays in place.

Once the abscess is drained and the infection and inflammation are controlled, your doctor will perform your surgery.

Sepsis

Antibiotics are the main treatment for sepsis. It’s important to start taking these medications as soon as possible, because the infection is life threatening if left untreated.

Duration of treatment may vary, but shorter treatment courses are generally preferred, according to a 2020 study.

You’ll need to take antibiotics once your ruptured appendix is removed or a drain is put into an abscess. You’ll typically take antibiotics before, during, and after surgery.

The length of antibiotic treatment will vary. Your surgeon will analyze your case to determine the best plan for you.

One 2021 study recommended that postsurgical antibiotic treatment be limited to 3 to 6 days.

Open surgery (instead of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery) is typically used for a ruptured appendix. It helps your doctor ensure all of the infection is cleaned out.

After surgery, you’ll need to keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid taking a bath or shower until your doctor says it’s fine to do so.

It can take up to 6 weeks to fully recover from open surgery. Try not to lift anything heavy or participate in sports or other strenuous activities during this time. Your recovery will take longer if you have a drain inserted and shorter if you have a laparoscopic procedure.

You may take strong prescription pain medication for a few days after surgery or after a drain is placed. After that, you can usually manage the pain with over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Your doctor may encourage you to get up and walk as soon as possible after surgery. You may have to adjust your diet and eat smaller meals while you heal.

You should be able to return to work or school around 1 week after surgery, depending on how you feel.

Considerations for children

A child whose appendix has ruptured may need to stay in the hospital for 1 week or so.

A 2022 study recommended that children who’d undergone laparoscopic surgery and had a normal white blood cell count discontinue antibiotics at the time of their hospital discharge.

Others may come home with a special tube called a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) so they can get antibiotics through a vein at home.

Kids should stay on a liquid diet for a couple of days after surgery. They should wait until they have their follow-up visit with the surgeon, and get the surgeon’s approval, before going back to their regular activities. This could take up to 3 weeks.

Without quick treatment, a ruptured appendix is a life threatening condition.

When the appendix hasn’t perforated, the risk of death is under 1% according to a 2020 literature review. The risk can be as high as 5% if the appendix has perforated.

Treating a ruptured appendix increases the odds of survival.

If you get medical attention right away for appendicitis, you have a better chance of fully recovering if your appendix ruptures. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms of appendicitis.

There’s no way of knowing when or if appendicitis will happen, so you can’t prevent it. However, you can avoid a rupture if you get immediate treatment.

The key is to know the symptoms of appendicitis. If you have any abdominal pain combined with nausea or other symptoms, get medical help immediately.

See a healthcare professional even if you’re unsure if your symptoms are appendicitis. It’s better to find out that you don’t have appendicitis than to wait and have your appendix rupture.

Causes, Symptoms, Recovery, and Survival

Untreated appendicitis may cause your appendix to rupture (burst), resulting in an infection. Symptoms associated with a ruptured appendix include severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, and weakness.

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. This small, thin, finger-shaped sac is located on the lower right side of your abdomen, where your small and large intestines connect. Most doctors think the appendix doesn’t have an important function and can be removed without causing harmful effects.

If your appendicitis is left untreated, your appendix can rupture (burst). When this happens, bacteria get released into your abdomen and can cause a serious infection.

A ruptured appendix, also known as a perforated appendix, can make you very sick and is sometimes hard to treat.

The risk of rupture increases the longer that appendicitis treatment is delayed. The risk is about 2% 36 hours after symptoms start. After that, the risk increases by about 5% every 12 hours.

The biggest risk factor for a ruptured appendix is delaying treatment for appendicitis. The longer you wait to address your symptoms, the higher your risk.

According to a 2018 literature review, younger children are more likely to have a ruptured appendix than older children. This is because they have more trouble explaining their appendicitis symptoms to others.

The exact cause of appendicitis is unknown, but experts think an infection triggers inflammation inside the appendix.

For instance, If something blocks the opening of the appendix, an infection can follow. Bacteria can get trapped inside the appendix and multiply quickly, causing appendicitis. Viruses, parasites, and stool buildup may cause the blockages and infections that result in appendicitis. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another possible cause of appendicitis.

When appendicitis isn’t treated promptly and correctly, bacteria or pus build up. As this happens, pressure increases and the appendix swells. Eventually, it swells so much that the blood supply to part of the appendix gets cut off. That part of the appendix wall dies, and a hole or tear develops in the dead wall. The high pressure pushes the bacteria and pus into the abdominal cavity.

A ruptured appendix usually oozes or leaks into the abdomen instead of bursting like a balloon.

Risk factors for appendicitis

Appendicitis can happen at any age, but it often affects children and teens between the ages of 10 and 20 years. It’s more common in people who were assigned male at birth.

Having other family members with appendicitis can increase your risk too. Children with cystic fibrosis are also more likely to have appendicitis.

Was this helpful?

Appendicitis symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions that affect the abdomen, such as a stomach virus or an ovarian cyst. For this reason, it can be hard to tell if you have appendicitis.

The classic symptoms of appendicitis are pain starting around the belly button and then vomiting. Several hours later, the pain moves to the lower right abdomen.

If you have these symptoms and think it might be appendicitis, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Quick treatment is essential to avoid a rupture.

Other symptoms of appendicitis include:

• abdominal pain that may start in the upper or middle abdomen but usually settles in the lower right abdomen
• abdominal pain that increases when you walk, stand, jump, cough, or sneeze
• a bloated or swollen abdomen
• tenderness when you push on your abdomen, which may get worse when you quickly stop pressing on it
• an inability to pass gas
• fever
• nausea along with vomiting
• decreased appetite
• constipation or diarrhea

Keep in mind that not everyone who gets appendicitis has these classic symptoms. It’s common for kids and older adults to have more unusual symptoms.

In babies and children, the pain is often spread out all over the abdomen. Caregivers should look for pain that starts around the child’s belly button and moves to the right side, along with appetite loss and fever.

In older people, the abdomen may be less tender, and pain may be less severe.

Appendicitis inflames the appendix and causes it to swell. Without treatment, the pressure eventually reaches the point where the appendix bursts. This can happen as quickly as 48 to 72 hours after your symptoms start.

Once your appendix ruptures, you may have a variety of symptoms. At first, you may feel better for a few hours because the high pressure in your appendix is gone, along with your original symptoms.

Peritonitis

When bacteria leave the intestine and enter the abdominal cavity, the lining of your abdominal cavity becomes inflamed. This condition is called peritonitis.

Peritonitis can be very serious and very painful. It requires immediate treatment.

The symptoms of peritonitis are similar to those of appendicitis, except:

• the pain is in your whole abdomen
• the pain is constant and more severe
• your fever is often higher
• your breathing and heart rate may be fast because of fever, infection, or severe pain
• you may have other symptoms, including chills, weakness, and confusion

Abscess

When you have an infection in your abdomen, the surrounding tissues sometimes try to wall off the infection from the rest of your abdomen. The wall forms an abscess, a closed-off collection of bacteria and pus.

Symptoms of an abscess are also similar to those of appendicitis, except:

• the pain may be in one area (but not always the lower right abdomen), or it may be in your entire abdomen
• the pain can be either a dull ache or sharp and stabbing
• the fever doesn’t go away, even when you take antibiotics
• you may have other symptoms, such as chills and weakness

Sepsis

When left untreated, the bacteria from a ruptured appendix can enter your bloodstream, causing a serious condition called sepsis. Sepsis is inflammation throughout your entire body.

Symptoms of sepsis include:

• fever or a low temperature
• fast heartbeat and breathing
• chills
• weakness
• confusion
• low blood pressure

The treatment for a ruptured appendix is to remove your appendix with surgery.

Doctors sometimes wait to perform surgery on a child who isn’t in any immediate danger. The surgeon will drain infected fluid from the abdomen, have the child take antibiotics, and remove the appendix later. The name for delayed surgery is interval appendectomy.

Peritonitis

The treatment for peritonitis is to clean bacteria out of the abdomen during surgery.

You’ll usually get antibiotics through a vein, at least for the first few days. You may need to receive hospital treatment for 10 to 14 days to ensure the infection is gone.

Abscess

Often, your appendix will be removed right away. If there’s a large abscess, your doctor might want to drain it before surgery. A tube inserted into the abscess lets the bacteria- and pus-filled fluid drain out.

This process can take several weeks. You might go home with the drain in place, and you’ll need to take antibiotics while the drain stays in place.

Once the abscess is drained and the infection and inflammation are controlled, your doctor will perform your surgery.

Sepsis

Antibiotics are the main treatment for sepsis. It’s important to start taking these medications as soon as possible, because the infection is life threatening if left untreated.

Duration of treatment may vary, but shorter treatment courses are generally preferred, according to a 2020 study.

You’ll need to take antibiotics once your ruptured appendix is removed or a drain is put into an abscess. You’ll typically take antibiotics before, during, and after surgery.

The length of antibiotic treatment will vary. Your surgeon will analyze your case to determine the best plan for you.

One 2021 study recommended that postsurgical antibiotic treatment be limited to 3 to 6 days.

Open surgery (instead of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery) is typically used for a ruptured appendix. It helps your doctor ensure all of the infection is cleaned out.

After surgery, you’ll need to keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid taking a bath or shower until your doctor says it’s fine to do so.

It can take up to 6 weeks to fully recover from open surgery. Try not to lift anything heavy or participate in sports or other strenuous activities during this time. Your recovery will take longer if you have a drain inserted and shorter if you have a laparoscopic procedure.

You may take strong prescription pain medication for a few days after surgery or after a drain is placed. After that, you can usually manage the pain with over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Your doctor may encourage you to get up and walk as soon as possible after surgery. You may have to adjust your diet and eat smaller meals while you heal.

You should be able to return to work or school around 1 week after surgery, depending on how you feel.

Considerations for children

A child whose appendix has ruptured may need to stay in the hospital for 1 week or so.

A 2022 study recommended that children who’d undergone laparoscopic surgery and had a normal white blood cell count discontinue antibiotics at the time of their hospital discharge.

Others may come home with a special tube called a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) so they can get antibiotics through a vein at home.

Kids should stay on a liquid diet for a couple of days after surgery. They should wait until they have their follow-up visit with the surgeon, and get the surgeon’s approval, before going back to their regular activities. This could take up to 3 weeks.

Without quick treatment, a ruptured appendix is a life threatening condition.

When the appendix hasn’t perforated, the risk of death is under 1% according to a 2020 literature review. The risk can be as high as 5% if the appendix has perforated.

Treating a ruptured appendix increases the odds of survival.

If you get medical attention right away for appendicitis, you have a better chance of fully recovering if your appendix ruptures. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms of appendicitis.

There’s no way of knowing when or if appendicitis will happen, so you can’t prevent it. However, you can avoid a rupture if you get immediate treatment.

The key is to know the symptoms of appendicitis. If you have any abdominal pain combined with nausea or other symptoms, get medical help immediately.

See a healthcare professional even if you’re unsure if your symptoms are appendicitis. It’s better to find out that you don’t have appendicitis than to wait and have your appendix rupture.

How to recognize the symptoms of appendicitis in time?

The appendix is ​​a small organ, which is a thin tube connected to the large intestine (vermiform appendix). It is located in the lower right side of the abdomen and is an appendage of the caecum. In young children, this organ performs part of the immune function. With age, the process loses its protective function, but can still become inflamed. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that mainly affects people between the ages of 10 and 30. If the inflammation is not detected in time, the organ can rupture and lead to life-threatening complications.

The appendix becomes inflamed when its inner part is blocked. Inflammation can develop due to the penetration of various infections into the digestive tract: viruses, bacteria, parasites. Sometimes the cause of appendicitis is a blockage in the tube that connects the appendix to the large intestine. As a result, the body becomes inflamed and swollen. Over time, swelling and pain increase, and the blood supply to the appendix stops.

All organs and parts of our body need a normal blood supply, including the appendix. Otherwise, the organ begins to die and rupture over time. After rupture, feces, mucus and other substances enter the abdominal cavity, and the patient may develop a life-threatening infection – peritonitis.

This whole series of events can occur as early as 48-72 hours after the first symptoms of appendicitis appear. That is why if you suspect inflammation of the appendix, you should immediately call an ambulance. Timely response is the key to a quick recovery and prevention of possible consequences.

If the patient has an inflamed appendix, he will most likely have abdominal pain, which:0014

Other signs of inflammation may include:

• Loss of appetite,
• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Constipation or diarrhea,
• Inability to pass flatus,
• Slight fever,
• Swelling of the abdomen,
• Feeling that bowel movements are weak um discomfort.

Signs of appendicitis may differ from person to person and often resemble symptoms of disorders that also cause abdominal pain:

• Abdominal adhesions,
• Constipation,
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Cro disease on and ulcerative colitis. These disorders cause irritation and ulceration in the digestive tract,
• Intestinal obstruction,
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (in women).

What are the complications of appendicitis if you do not see a doctor in time?

Never ignore the symptoms of inflammation of the appendix. Otherwise, there is a huge risk of facing two consequences:

1. Peritonitis (rupture of the appendix). If a rupture occurs, the infection will spread throughout the abdomen. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate surgery to remove the appendix as well as cleaning the abdomen.
2. Formation of purulent pockets in the abdominal cavity. If an inflamed appendix ruptures, an abscess can form – a pocket filled with pus. In most cases, surgeons insert a special tube into the abdominal cavity. At one end, it is inserted into the purulent pocket, and its other end is brought out. With the help of this drainage system, pus comes out of the abdomen. The tube is inserted for 2 weeks and the patient is given antibiotics to help clear up the infection. After the infection clears up, the surgeon removes the growth. In some cases, the pus is “pumped out” and the process is immediately removed.

How do doctors diagnose appendicitis?

During the diagnosis, the doctor will ask about symptoms and perform an examination of the abdomen. During the physical examination, the doctor gently presses on the painful area. Usually, doctors press and then abruptly remove their hand from the abdomen. Often, with inflammation of the appendix, the pain intensifies, which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the abdominal region adjacent to the organ.

In the differential diagnosis, one or more tests are prescribed, including:

1. Blood test – to count white blood cells. If their level is elevated, this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
2. Urinalysis – to see if the painful symptoms of appendicitis are due to a urinary tract infection or kidney stones.
3. X-ray or ultrasound. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors prescribe an x-ray of the abdomen, ultrasound of the abdominal organs or computed tomography.

How is appendix inflammation treated?

The only treatment is removal of the inflamed process. Before surgery, the patient may be given an antibiotic. This is done in order to prevent the formation of infection.

Removal of the process (appendectomy) is performed in one of two ways:

1. The traditional method is strip surgery. In this case, a 5 to 10 cm incision is made on the patient’s abdomen. Then the inflamed appendix is ​​removed and the wound is sutured.
2. Laparoscopic method. In this case, several small incisions are made on the abdomen, then surgical instruments and a video camera are inserted into the holes. The process is removed and taken out through the holes.

After laparoscopic surgery, the patient recovers faster, because small scars heal faster. This operation is recommended for elderly and obese people. However, it is worth noting that laparoscopy is not suitable for everyone. If the appendix has ruptured and the infection has spread to the abdomen, or an abscess has formed, the patient is indicated for open surgery. Only a strip operation allows the surgeon to clear the abdominal cavity.

After the removal of the appendix, the patient spends 1-2 days in the hospital, sometimes a little more. If complications develop, the length of stay in the hospital is extended.

How long does it take to fully recover from surgery?

It takes several weeks to fully recover from the removal of the appendix. To help the body recover, it is recommended:

• At first, avoid intense training and strenuous physical labor. If the operation was performed laparoscopically, refrain from any activity for 3-5 days after the operation. If abdominal surgery was performed, physical activity should be avoided for the first 10-14 days. Before resuming physical work and training, get permission from your doctor.
• Hold your stomach when you cough. Hold a small pillow against your stomach before coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This will ease the pain.
• Call your doctor if pain medication doesn’t work. Pain puts extra strain on the body and slows down the healing process.
• If you feel tired, take a nap. When an active healing process takes place in the body, a person feels drowsiness. If you have the opportunity to sleep during the daytime – sleep.
• Talk to your doctor about when you can return to work or school. Children can return to school in less than a week after surgery. However, before resuming physical education or sports clubs, you must wait 2-4 weeks.

If you or your loved ones show signs of appendicitis, call an ambulance immediately. Do not pull, because the consequences can be fatal.

Sources:

1. Appendicitis, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
2. Appendicitis, The Johns Hopkins Hospital,
3. Appendicitis, Mayo Clinic.

appendicitis

abdominal pain

abdominal pain

Which side is appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute pathology that requires immediate surgical intervention. If steps are not taken to remove the appendix from the person’s body, life-threatening complications, such as peritonitis, can occur.

Inflammation can occur at any age, but is more common in people aged 10-19years. The appendix of the large intestine becomes inflamed. The organ affects the functioning of the immune system and helps the body fight infection.

Causes of appendicitis

The exact causes of the development of the inflammatory process are still unclear. But there are several common options:

• Imbalance of microflora – bacteria, which in a normal environment are harmless, become poisonous and cause inflammation.

• Vasospasm – causes a deterioration in tissue nutrition. Some areas die off and become a focus of infection.

• Stagnation in the intestine – feces, foreign bodies, neoplasms or parasites can close the lumen of the appendix. At the site of closure, mucus accumulates, where the microbiome begins to multiply. The narrowing and squeezing of the process disrupts the processes of blood circulation, lymph flow, which leads to a rapid progression of inflammation and necrosis of the tissues of the appendix.

A predisposing factor will be frequent constipation, which form fecal stones.

Symptoms of appendicitis

The appendix is ​​located in the lower abdomen. The first symptom is unbearable pain that appears in the navel and extends to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain gets worse in a short time, when moving, taking a deep breath, coughing or sneezing.

Other typical symptoms:

• nausea up to vomiting

• decreased or complete lack of appetite

• constipation or conversely diarrhea

• flatulence, painful bloating

• fever, chills, symptoms of intoxication

• urge to defecate

Signs of the inflammatory process of the appendix in men and women may differ. For example, women experience nausea, vomiting, and fever. At the beginning of the development of the disease, the pain is pressing, pulling, and even not necessarily on the right side, which can be mistakenly recognized as gynecological problems.

Then the pain can become cramping, such symptoms most often occur in the evening or at night.

In men with acute inflammation, there is severe pain in the abdomen, spontaneous pulling up of the right testicle. When pulling the scrotum, there is discomfort and pain in the anus and a pronounced urge to empty the intestines.

In older people, the symptoms of appendicitis may be less pronounced: minor pain, mild nausea. At the same time, appendicitis in the elderly is often characterized by a severe course and the development of complications.

In children under 5 years of age, the symptoms of appendicitis are not as pronounced as in adults. Pain often does not have a clear localization. You can recognize appendicitis in a small child by fever, diarrhea, and the presence of plaque on the tongue.

Types of pathology

Acute appendicitis – develops rapidly, is manifested by pronounced symptoms. With inaction, pain intensifies and inflammation can lead to serious complications.

By its nature, acute appendicitis can be complicated and uncomplicated. Uncomplicated pathology, in turn, has 2 forms: catarrhal (only the mucous membrane becomes inflamed), destructive (deeper layers are affected).

Chronic is a rather rare form. In most cases, it develops as a result of acute appendicitis in the absence of treatment. Has the same symptoms, but they manifest themselves very sluggishly. There are periods of exacerbation and remission, like any chronic disease.

Chronic appendicitis is also divided into subspecies:

• Residual – a consequence of acute appendicitis, which ended in self-healing. Manifested by dull aching pain in the right iliac region.

• Recurrent – is paroxysmal in nature: from time to time there are exacerbations, followed by remission.

• Primary chronic – develops independently, without the forerunner of acute appendicitis.

Diagnosis of appendicitis

The first thing the examination of the patient begins with is the examination and collection of anamnesis. The doctor asks to tell about when the symptoms appeared and how long the discomfort lasts. This is important to understand in order to distinguish the disease from something else.

It is important to consider other factors that could cause the development of appendicitis:

• Surgical operations in the abdomen, transferred in the recent past.

• Taking medications or supplements.

• Bad habits, abuse of alcohol, drugs, etc.

Feeling the abdomen will help determine the localization and intensity of pain, its characteristics. A pelvic and rectal examination may be needed. The final diagnosis is made only after the delivery of laboratory tests. Blood and urine tests can help detect signs of inflammation or other health problems.

Imaging methods may also be required – ultrasound of the abdominal organs, CT or MRI. They will allow:

• determine the condition of the appendix and assess its integrity

• detect signs of inflammation

• assess blockage within the appendix

• identify abscess or other complications

How to treat appendicitis?

Pathology requires immediate treatment, as the process may burst and its contents will spill into the abdominal cavity and peritonitis will begin. Therefore, the only solution is to remove the appendix surgically.

An appendectomy is a surgical operation to remove the appendix. It can be done in two ways:

1. classical – abdominal surgery

2. laparoscopic, when there are no large incisions

Abdominal surgery is performed in case of a rupture of the appendix and if its contents have spilled into the abdominal cavity, and also if the rupture has caused an abscess.

Laparoscopy is considered the most modern method of removing the appendix due to various reasons: less invasiveness, faster recovery, and fewer complications.

The operation is carried out as follows:

• the surgeon makes small incisions through which access to the appendix appears

• camera is introduced with backlight

• other tools remove the process

• areas are treated to decontaminate infectious material

• the operated area is examined, sutures are applied

Appendicitis Prevention

There is no special prevention, appendicitis can happen to anyone. It is best to give up bad habits, follow proper nutrition. A sufficient content of fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products supports normal bowel function, prevents constipation.

Also, preventive measures include the timely treatment of any infectious and inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal pathologies and helminthic invasions.

Treatment of appendicitis in Krasnoyarsk

To undergo the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis, please contact the Mediunion Medical Center. We have experienced doctors who will conduct a complete examination and examination, friendly medical staff.

You can register in one of the ways convenient for you:

• Online on our website medyunion.ru. Fill out the electronic form, indicating your contact details, doctor’s specialization, convenient date and time for an appointment.

• Request a call back with your name and phone number. Our managers will call you back within 15 minutes and answer your questions.