Appendicitis occurs when the appendix, a small finger-shaped sac attached to the large intestine, becomes infected and inflamed, causing severe abdominal pain. If the infection becomes severe, the wall of the appendix may break or rupture. This spreads the infection to the stomach area, causing a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Knowing how to care for yourself if you develop appendicitis and when to seek medical attention is critical to ensuring your recovery.
What causes appendicitis?
Appendicitis is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 30, but it can occur at any age. The cause of appendicitis is often unknown, but in some cases it may be caused by hard stool blocking the opening of the appendix. This can cause bacteria to grow and cause an infection.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
The main symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain, which can be felt in different parts of the stomach and even in the flanks and back. Many people feel the first pain near their belly button, then the pain moves to the lower right side of their stomach.
Common symptoms of appendicitis are:
- Stomach pain that starts around the belly button
- The pain in my stomach gets stronger and moves from below my navel to the lower right side.
- Pain that does not go away and gets worse when you move, walk, or cough
- Nausea, vomiting, not wanting to eat
- Constipation, back pain, fever
- I don’t feel well
- I have abdominal pain that is hard to explain.
In some cases, appendicitis causes no symptoms other than abdominal pain. Stomach pain can be unlike any pain you’ve ever experienced. In some cases, the only symptom is feeling unwell.
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
If you have moderate or severe abdominal pain that does not go away after 4 hours, contact your health care provider.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, when they started, and what was happening before the pain started. Appendicitis is difficult to diagnose, so doctors may order blood and urine tests to check for signs of infection. In some cases, a CT scan or ultrasound of the abdomen may be required.
If your pain or symptoms are severe, go to the emergency room for treatment.
How to care for yourself if you have appendicitis
If your health care provider suspects that you may have appendicitis, it is important to follow these instructions:
- Do not eat or drink anything as it is best to empty your stomach in case surgery is required.
- Do not take laxatives as they may cause your appendix to rupture.
- Take medicines as directed by your doctor.
If you are taking antibiotics for appendicitis, be sure to take them as directed. You should read and follow all directions on the label and take all antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. We also recommend the following:
- Ask your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter pain medications you can take.
- If you have problems with bowel movements, talk to your provider.
- Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
- Limit physical activity other than daily self-care.
- Eat and drink according to your doctor’s instructions.
When to seek treatment immediately
If you think you may need emergency treatment, call 911 immediately. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
- New or worsening stomach pain in the lower right abdomen
- causes nausea and loss of appetite
- vomiting
- heat
- No stool or gas is passed
- Symptoms get worse or don’t improve as expected
It is important to always pay attention to your body and carefully monitor changes in your health. Appendicitis is a serious medical condition, so it’s important to contact your doctor right away if you suspect you have appendicitis.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.