Your appendix is a small pouch that is attached to the large intestine. It connects on the right side of the abdomen and is often an ignored part of the body. However, if this pouch becomes inflamed it can cause many significant issues, especially if a blockage occurs and it becomes infected.
There are not very many indications that an infection or inflammation of the appendix has occurred until it becomes a medical emergency. This is why it is important to be aware of the signs that your appendix may be inflamed. Infection of the appendix may be caused by fecal matter, mucus, or another type of impurity. When the appendix is infected it can lead to peritonitis that needs to be treated right away.
If the appendix ruptures, bacteria and other poisons will be released into the body and this could potentially be fatal. However, most people that receive proper medical care for a ruptured appendix will recover without complication. Since being caught off guard with a medical emergency is not something that anyone wants to deal with, it is a good idea to become familiar with some of the signs and symptoms of possible appendicitis. Here are 8 of the symptoms that may be a sign that your appendix is inflamed and possibly infected.
1. Pain in the Belly Button
Often times pain from the appendix will occur near the lower right hand side of the abdomen. The first sign that something may be wrong may actually be a discomfort that occurs near the belly button. The pain will then move down to the lower area of the abdomen. This pain will often become worse if you move your abdomen or your legs. It also worsens if you sneeze or cough or are jarred in some way, such as a ride in a bumpy car. If you are experiencing pain of this type it is a good idea to be checked out by a physician to rule out appendicitis.
