Acute appendicitis

Symptoms of acute appendicitis

What are the symptoms of acute appendicitis?

Some of the symptoms are:

Stomach pain
Abdominal pain
Pain felt in the lower right side of the abdomen
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Inability to pass gas
Abdominal bloating, swelling
Sub-febrile, low fever
A need to defecate (patient senses this might make them feel better)

Description of pain

Pain in the appendix

It is characteristic of this pain to set on in the solar plexus area, or around the navel, and the pain may arise while the patient is otherwise completely healthy.

The pain then spreads after 6-8 hours in the entire abdomen (belly), and then localizes in the right hypo-gastric region (lower right). The pain is initially relatively strong, and when it becomes localized to the right, it becomes even more severe.

The patient assumes a forced position, in order to seemingly shield themselves from the pain (hunched over). The patient may have fever, 37.5-38.5, may feel nauseated or may vomit, at times may even experience diarrhea, this depends on the anatomical position of the appendix.

Depending on the anatomical position of the appendix, patient may experience leg pain, or pain in the lower belly.

The patient feels:

Fatigued
Nauseated
Lack of appetite
Diarrhea
Has a fever
Looks flushed in the face

If the patient is experiencing such symptoms, they should seek medical attention.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 23 Jan 2018
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi

Articles for acute appendicitis

Introduction

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the small intestine, where it meets the colon (in fact, it is a rudimentary extension of the gut, the function of which is yet unknown).

Symptoms of acute appendicitis

Some of the symptoms are: stomach pain, abdominal pain, pain felt in the lower right side of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, etc. Depending on the anatomical position of the appendix, patient may experience leg pain, or pain in the lower belly.

Diagnosing acute appendicitis

To diagnose acute appendicitis a physician will utilize: An abdominal ultrasound, CT-scan or X-ray. Chest X-ray in order to rule out right lower-lobe pneumonia (a condition with symptoms similar to appendicitis). A thorough history of the condition from its onset, and a physical exam of the abdomen.

Treating acute appendicitis

Treatment involves surgery in most cases. The doctor may perform the appendectomy (removal of the appendix) via open surgery or via a laparoscopy. Prognosis: Following the surgical procedure, a recovery period involving a healthy diet and plentiful hydration, the patient can fully recover.

Health News