SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS
The appendix is a tube of tissue approximately 2 � inches long attached to the end of the large intestine. The function of the appendix is unknown, but it can be removed without causing physiological damage or consequences. Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis is a medical emergency usually requiring surgical removal of the appendix. If appendicitis is untreated and the appendix ruptures it can cause a serious condition known as peritoneum. Peritoneum is the inflammation of the abdominal cavity as a result of the infectious material released from a ruptured inflamed appendix. Appendicitis is characterized by a pus filled inflamed appendix that is can be caused by a blockage of the appendix by hard stools, foreign bodies, cancer, or as the result of gastrointestinal viral infections that may affect several abdominal organs.
Early signs of appendicitis begin as a dull pain in the naval or upper abdominal area. The pain gradually increases for about 12 to 18 hours before becoming very severe. The pain of appendicitis is worse when coughing, sneezing, or making any sudden movements. The pain normally characterized with appendicitis is relatively different in children, older people, and pregnant women. In babies and infants the pain may be wide spread and not localized in the right lower abdomen as characterized. With older adults and pregnant women the pain is usually less severe with no tenderness to touch as previously noted. As the inflammation progresses the pain becomes sharp and is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Appendicitis is accompanied by a loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal swelling with rebound tenderness; pain when the affected side is pressed and then released quickly; fever, and the inability to pass gas. Other symptoms not as common are painful urination and vomiting with abdominal pain. If appendicitis is suspected do not eat or drink anything, use pain relievers, antacids, or laxatives or the application of heating pads, because these can cause the appendix to rupture, creating a very serious condition that can be fatal.
Prompt medical attention is required to treat appendicitis and possible remove the appendix. Complications associated with appendicitis include the rupturing of the appendix or pus pockets within the abdomen. The appendix can rupture within 48-72 of the initial onset of symptoms. In the event that the appendix ruptures the infection may spread to other organs in the abdominal cavity leaving to a serious and sometimes fatal condition. Intestinal abscesses can form on the appendix as the result of seeping infections from the intestines. In the event that the appendiceal abscess ruptures or tears the infectious material may cause a more complicated infection involving multiple body organs.