How do you know if you are having appendix problems?

Answer 1

What and where is it

The appendix is located on the right side, of the very lower abdomen, right above the groin (above where the elastic of your underwear sits above your thigh). The appendix is a 1 or 2-inch tube that extends from the large intestine.

Function

No one knows for sure what function the appendix has; some experts believe it is was needed by our prehistoric ancestors, but obviously today it serves no useful function and can be removed without consequences (except the usual pain and risks of surgery).

Surgery for Appendicitis -- Appendicitis IS a surgical emergency in most cases

Typically, surgery is performed in 3 cases:

1. If the appendix has become inflamed, leading to appendicitis, with pain.
2. If the appendix has ruptured (burst); this is a surgical emergency because bowel is released into the abdominal cavity and can cause widespread infection called peritonitis.
3. Or, if a person is already undergoing abdominal surgery, surgeons will often take the few minutes to remove the appendix, to avoid future problems and need for another surgery then.

*Classic* Symptoms of Appendicitis

• Dull pain which is near the navel or in the upper abdomen
• The pain becomes sharp ("takes your breath away"), and then, 'moves' to the lower right abdomen. The dull pain and sharp moving pain to the right lower abdomen is usually the first sign.
• Loss of appetite -- You simply will be too sick to eat.
• Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins - NOT the flu. Nausea and vomiting will be persistent.
• Abdominal swelling - this is not just "puffiness" but true swelling
• Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Inability to pass gas
• NOTE: pain is often so severe, the person goes into the fetal position and when doctors examine and press on the area, the pain is unmistakable! There are also other classic examination signs present.

About half the time, other symptoms of appendicitis appear, such as:

• Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or inside the rectum
• Painful urination - inflammation irritates surrounding organs
• Vomiting that happens before the abdominal pain begins
• Severe belly and intestinal cramps
• Constipation or diarrhea with gas - However, not all gas indicates an appendicitis!

How do you know?

Generally, people are aware of how their body feels, especially with gassy pain (which is generally either widespread throughout the body, or over the far right or left sides). Gassy pain 'moves' downward, but is often accompanied by bowel sounds (gurgles, etc.). With regular gassy pains, the pain does not start near the naval, nor does gassy pain 'move' directly to the lower right and stay there. Gassy pain may be both dull and temporarily sharp-- but appendix pain continues as sharp, unrelenting, unbearable pain. If gas with constipation persists, see a doctor... However, most people have bouts of gas with constipation that is benign, meaning, it is simply gas with constipation.

Incidence

US Statistics show one in 15 people typically between the ages of 10 and 30 develop appendicitis. But it can occur at ANY age, even in children.

Causes

Stool (waste, BM, 'poop'), foreign body, cancer blocks the tube, or an infection can lead to appendicitis because with each cause, the appendix becomes blocked.

Recommendations if you have symptoms of appendictis include DO NOT:

• eat
• drink
• take pain remedies
• take antacids
• take laxatives
• use heating pads.

These can cause an inflamed appendix to rupture. See your doctor if you have occasional or chronic bouts of constipation and gas, or other digestive problems or pain. Obviously, when pain is severe or you have symptoms listed above, go directly to an Emergency Room.