Signs of Appendix Pain

Appendix pain is usually a sign of a serious health problem: appendicitis. However, this pain can sometimes be mistaken for other, less-severe conditions, including ordinary stomach flu. Learning how to recognize the signs of appendicitis is important so you can receive proper medical treatment for the problem.

What is the Appendix?

• Your appendix is attached to your colon. It is a small sac-like structure that is shaped almost like a finger. Medical scientists know the appendix serves no useful purpose today. However, they believe it may have played a vital role in digestion for our ancestors. Your appendix and colon are found in the lower, right side of your abdomen. That location is important to know because it can help you distinguish appendix pain from other abdominal discomfort.

Appendix Pain or the Flu?

• Abdominal pain, even pain in the colon area, is sometimes associated with stomach flu. Cramping, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, is a common problem of the flu and even food poisoning. Some symptoms are unique to appendix pain, such as difficulty passing gas and noticeable swelling of the abdominal area. Another way to check is by pushing down on the area that hurts. This will obviously cause discomfort, but if the pain gets worse after you release the pressure, this is a sign of appendix pain.

Cause of the Pain

• When you have appendix pain, it's usually a result of an infection. Bacteria get into the pouch, and that causes your immune system to kick into high gear to fight it. This leads to inflammation and causes the pouch to fill up with pus. The pouch also can swell. If the pus continues to accumulate in the appendix, the pouch could rupture leading a life-threatening complication.

Ruptured Appendix

• The risk of a ruptured appendix is the main reason to seek medical attention, even if you're not completely sure you are suffering from appendix pain. If the appendix ruptures, the bacteria is going to be released into your intestines, and this could cause an infection in the lining of your abdomen. That infection can be fatal if not treated promptly. With early treatment, however, the appendix pain can be alleviated and this risk can be avoided.

Diagnosis & Treatment

• When you go to the doctor, he or she will examine your abdomen. By pushing on the site of the pain, he or she can sometimes diagnose the problem. However, blood, urine, and imaging tests are often used as well. If your appendix is inflamed, the condition is treated surgically. You'll immediately be taken for surgery to remove the appendix before it has time to rupture and lead to serious complications.