{"id":676,"date":"2017-10-06T04:39:33","date_gmt":"2017-10-06T04:39:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=676"},"modified":"2021-07-12T17:15:24","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T17:15:24","slug":"15-common-symptoms-appendicitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/15-common-symptoms-appendicitis\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Most Common Symptoms of Appendicitis"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"The appendix is a tube of tissue that has a total length of 3 \u00bd inches and extends from the large intestine to the colon. Though the true function of the appendix is unknown, it is believed to play a role in the immunity of the gut. While the job of the appendix may not be known, what is known is that people can live without it.<\/p>\n

Like all other organs and tissues in the body, the appendix can become swollen and inflamed. When this happens, the condition is referred to as appendicitis.<\/p>\n

While there are several theories that exist relating to the cause of appendicitis, it has been determined that the most likely cause is a blockage in the lining of the appendix and that infection develops into an infection. Once infected, the bacterium inside can multiply quickly, which leads to swelling, inflammation, and pus.<\/p>\n

While the appendix may not be a critical organ, when it becomes infected, treatment is a medical emergency. If left untreated, the appendix can burst, which results in toxic materials spilling out into the abdominal cavity. This can turn into a serious inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity known as peritonitis. This condition can result in death if it isn\u2019t treated promptly.<\/p>\n

Since appendicitis requires prompt treatment, it\u2019s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Here are 16 signs that can indicate you have developed appendicitis.<\/p>\n

1. Nausea<\/h3>\n

One of the first symptoms of appendicitis is nausea<\/a>. Initially, the nausea is mild, but it will rapidly worsen. Nausea is a common symptom of any type of infection, and in the case of appendicitis, the appendix is infected. As soon as the body recognizes that it is being invaded by foreign pathogens, it prepares itself to purge. Purging is the body\u2019s natural way of trying to rid itself of a said foreign pathogen. Of course, nausea is a symptom that is commonly associated with several other medical conditions, such as a common stomach bug and food poisoning. However, if you find that you are feeling intensely nauseous and you are experiencing any other symptoms on this list, chances are you have appendicitis.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Vomiting<\/h3>\n

As nausea worsens, you will eventually have a strong urge to vomit<\/a>. As mentioned, when the body recognizes the presence of a foreign pathogen, as in the case of an infected appendix, it will attempt to purge itself an in effort to remove the pathogen. The vomiting associated with appendicitis is likely to be severe.<\/p>\n

It can also worsen other symptoms of this condition. If you are vomiting profusely, pay attention to your body and take note of any other symptoms that are indicative of appendicitis. If you notice any other symptoms, head to the doctor or a hospital immediately.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Pain in the abdominal region<\/h3>\n

The symptom that is most commonly associated with appendicitis<\/a>, pain in the abdominal area almost always occurs with appendicitis. This pain is the direct result of the swelling of the appendix. Typically, it begins around the naval and will spread out toward the lower right side of the abdomen, where the appendix is located.<\/p>\n

At first, the pain may be mild, but within hours of developing an infected appendix, that pain can become severe. Women who have had children often describe the pain caused by appendicitis similar to the pain caused by labor contractions. If you develop sudden and severe pain in your lower right abdomen, head to the doctor immediately.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Pressure<\/h3>\n

In addition to feeling pain, you will likely feel pressure in your abdomen. As the appendix swells, it takes up more space in the abdomen, which could result in placing more pressure on other organs that surround it. For example, you may feel pressure<\/a> in the lower-left portion of your abdomen if the appendix is pushing on the small intestine.<\/p>\n

Severe pain that is associated with pressure is highly indicative of appendicitis. Should you develop these symptoms, do not delay going to the doctor. The longer appendicitis remains untreated, the greater the chances of developing severe complications will be.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"5. A high fever<\/h3>\n

Just like the body purges itself whenever it is infected by a foreign pathogen, it also raises its temperature. A fever<\/a> is the body\u2019s way of trying to create a less hospitable environment for the infection. Since appendicitis is an infection of the appendix, a fever is a very common symptom.<\/p>\n

This fever will be high, too; above 100\u00b0 F., A fever can worsen other symptoms. For example, as your fever rises, the urge to vomit will become worse. A fever is a common symptom of several other medical conditions; however, if you are experiencing intense abdominal pain and you are vomiting, it\u2019s highly likely that you have appendicitis.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Worsened pain when moving<\/h3>\n

The pain associated with appendicitis can become worse when you make any movement. For example, you might feel more intense pain<\/a> if you simply sneeze or cough. When you move, you place more pressure on the swollen organ, which will result in more pain.<\/p>\n

If you are experiencing pain in the lower right portion of your abdomen and it becomes worse when you move, this is a clear indication of appendicitis. Try to reduce your physical activity and seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. The chills<\/h3>\n

The symptoms of appendicitis can mimic those of stomach flu. As we\u2019ve discussed, it can cause a fever, and a fever is often accompanied by the chills<\/a>. When your body raises its temperature in an effort to kill off the bacteria that have caused an infected appendix, it will also try to cool itself off; hence the chills.<\/p>\n

When you shiver, any pain that you experience in your abdomen will become worse. In fact, the pain could even extend out to other parts of the body, including the lower back and the rectal region. Again, that\u2019s because more pressure will be placed on the inflamed organ, this resulting in more pain at the site of the infection, as well as surrounding areas.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Bloating and gas<\/h3>\n

When the appendix swells or bursts, it could cause bloating<\/a> and gas. You might feel as if you have just eaten a big meal; however, the bloating and gas will last much longer than it would if you had just eaten a large amount of food.<\/p>\n

The gas and bloating can develop in the days before the appendix ruptures. If your digestive issues aren\u2019t typical for you, then this might seem confusing, but you should consider it a potential sign of appendicitis. The bloating and gas will become worse as the appendix swells and eventually ruptures.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Pain when using the bathroom<\/h3>\n

When your appendix is infected and inflamed, it could make going to the bathroom a painful experience; particularly when trying to pass a bowel movement. This can happen as a result of the strain<\/a> that is being placed on your abdominal muscles as a result of a swollen appendix.<\/p>\n

Additionally, when you try to pass a bowel movement, you are putting more pressure on the appendix itself, which will increase the pain in the lower right portion of the abdomen. If you are having pain while trying to pass a bowel movement, and you are experiencing other symptoms of appendicitis, go to the doctor immediately.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Decreased appetite<\/h3>\n

Though not all people who develop appendicitis will experience a loss of appetite<\/a>, many do. It makes sense, too. If your stomach is in intense pain and you are vomiting, you probably won\u2019t have the desire to eat much.<\/p>\n

Add to that the fact that eating triggers peristalsis; the involuntary movement of the digestive tract, more pressure will be placed on the appendix, which could lead to increased pain. You may also be less inclined to drink, as drinking can also trigger peristalsis and worsen the pain.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Diarrhea<\/h3>\n

When the body is being attacked by a foreign pathogen, such as the bacterium that has infected the appendix, it will try to void itself of the pathogen in any way possible. Not only does this mean vomiting, but it can also mean diarrhea<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The intestines will try to push the bacteria that have invaded the appendix out, which can lead to diarrhea. This symptom may be mild at first, but it will rapidly increase, resulting in violent bouts of diarrhea. The pain you are experiencing is also likely to become worse.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Dehydration<\/h3>\n

If you have developed appendicitis, there is a chance that you will become dehydrated. The excessive vomiting<\/a> and potential diarrhea, coupled with a fever, can cause your body to lose valuable fluids. If you have lost the desire to drink or eat, this could also contribute to dehydration.<\/p>\n

Being hydrated is vital when you are sick, as it can support your body in fighting off the infection that has attacked the appendix. Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, lethargy, and confusion. It can also make the other symptoms that are associated with appendicitis worse.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Fatigue<\/h3>\n

Yet another symptom of appendicitis is fatigue. When the body attempts to fight any type of infection, the immune system works in overdrive. All of the energy you produce goes into fighting off the infection, which leaves very little energy for anything else. As a result, you will likely become extremely tired or even lethargic. It might become difficult to complete even the simplest of tasks.<\/p>\n

Fatigue<\/a> is a symptom that is associated with several illnesses; however, if you experiencing any of the other symptoms mentioned here and you are also fatigued, there is a very strong chance that you have developed appendicitis.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Brain fog<\/h3>\n

You might feel confused or as if your brain has been surrounded by fog when you have appendicitis. When you have an infection, the body produces cytokines<\/a>, which are responsible for triggering inflammation. Not only do these cytokines trigger inflammation at the site of the infection \u2013 the appendix \u2013 but they can also cause mild inflammation in the brain.<\/p>\n

When this happens, you can end up feeling as if you are in a fog. You might have difficulty concentrating or staying focused. Brain fog can compound fatigue, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. Malaise<\/h3>\n

Whenever the body is confronted with an infection, you can develop an overall feeling of being unwell. Of course, the pain in your abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills are all symptoms that will make you feel unwell. However, in the beginning, stages of appendicitis, you might not experience these symptoms, but rather will just have a feeling of uneasiness, discomfort<\/a>, or like illness is coming on.<\/p>\n

Eventually, this overall feeling of being unwell will be followed by full-blown symptoms of appendicitis. Pay attention to your body. If you are feeling off, there is a good chance that something is brewing.<\/p>\n\r\n

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