Acute Appendicitis
Symptoms of acute appendicitis
Source: Diana Hysi
In this topic (4)
What are the symptoms of acute appendicitis?
Some of the symptoms are:
- Stomach pain
- Abdominal pain
- Pain felt in the lower right side of the abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Inability to pass gas
- Abdominal bloating, swelling
- Sub-febrile, low fever
- A need to defecate (patient senses this might make them feel better)
Description of pain
Pain in the appendix
It is characteristic of this pain to set on in the solar plexus area, or around the navel, and the pain may arise while the patient is otherwise completely healthy.
The pain then spreads after 6-8 hours in the entire abdomen (belly), and then localizes in the right hypo-gastric region (lower right). The pain is initially relatively strong, and when it becomes localized to the right, it becomes even more severe.
The patient assumes a forced position, in order to seemingly shield themselves from the pain (hunched over). The patient may have fever, 37.5-38.5, may feel nauseated or may vomit, at times may even experience diarrhea, this depends on the anatomical position of the appendix.
Depending on the anatomical position of the appendix, patient may experience leg pain, or pain in the lower belly.
The patient feels:
- Fatigued
- Nauseated
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Has a fever
- Looks flushed in the face
If the patient is experiencing such symptoms, they should seek medical attention.
Articles for Acute Appendicitis
Diagnosing acute appendicitis
To diagnose acute appendicitis a physician will utilize: An abdominal ultrasound, CT-scan or X-ray. Chest X-ray in order to rule out right lower-lobe pneumonia (a condition with symptoms similar to appendicitis). A thorough history of the condition from its onset, and a physical exam of the abdomen.
Introduction
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the small intestine, where it meets the colon (in fact, it is a rudimentary extension of the gut, the function of which is yet unknown).
Symptoms of acute appendicitis
Some of the symptoms are: stomach pain, abdominal pain, pain felt in the lower right side of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, etc. Depending on the anatomical position of the appendix, patient may experience leg pain, or pain in the lower belly.
Treating acute appendicitis
Treatment involves surgery in most cases. The doctor may perform the appendectomy (removal of the appendix) via open surgery or via a laparoscopy. Prognosis: Following the surgical procedure, a recovery period involving a healthy diet and plentiful hydration, the patient can fully recover.
