Appendicitis is inflammation caused by obstruction of theappendix. The appendix is a « finger-shaped » pouch that protrudes from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen.
Although anyone can develop appendicitis, it most often occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30!
However, the signs that appendicitis is on the horizon are sometimes hard to identify! In fact, they often resemble the symptoms of food intolerance or gastroenteritis. Here are a few tips to help you!
A slight fever and a few chills
One of the first and most obvious symptoms of appendicitis is a slight fever. This is usually between 37.8 and 38.5 degrees. The fever may increase as the disease worsens.
Localized » abdominal pain
Another obvious sign of appendicitis is abdominal pain. These are usually located on the lower right side of the stomach. The pain is most often sudden. It can also start around the navel and move down the right abdomen.
The sensation may become more intense over the next few hours and worsen with movement, coughing or sneezing.
Belly stiffness
Another obvious sign is the rigidity of the belly. Indeed, it is not supple to palpation. This rigidity is particularly noticeable in the lower right part of the belly, where the appendix is located.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting are also symptoms of food poisoning. Hence the difficulty in differentiating between simple intoxication and appendicitis.
On the other hand, if the pain persists after vomiting, it’s most likely appendicitis.
Abdominal bloating
Appendicitis can lead to abdominal bloating. An inability to pass gas is also a warning sign! Constipation and diarrhea are also present.
But also…
To clearly identify appendicitis, it is essential to rule out other disorders that could cause the same type of symptoms (food poisoning, urological problems…).
Also, if you don’t feel any pain or burning when urinating, or have no constant urge to urinate: it’s most likely appendicitis.
Similarly for women, there are common symptoms (absence of menstruation, etc.) between appendicitis and gynaecological disorders… Be careful!
Watch out!
If surgery is delayed, appendicitis can lead to peritonitis (a much more painful form of abdominal infection). In this case, go immediately to the emergency room.