Appendicitis Causes & Signs

The appendix is attached to the intestines. When it becomes blocked, it becomes inflamed and appendicitis is the result. It is common in that it affects 7% of the population. Children, teens and young adults between the ages of 10 and 30 are most likely to get appendicitis.

Causes

• Appendicitis is not contagious or hereditary. Although there is no concise cause, it is said to be the result of bacteria, a virus, fungi or parasites that cause infection and swelling in the appendix wall. Inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease can cause appendicitis.

Pain

• Appendicitis frequently begins with pain in the middle the stomach near the belly button. The pain will then move, over the next 24 hours, to the lower right side of the stomach close to the right hip. It can take anywhere from four to 48 hours for symptoms to surface.

Nausea

• Appendicitis is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fever. Loss of appetite is common. Some will experience constipation or diarrhea.

Difficult Diagnosis

• It is often difficult to diagnose appendicitis in children and the elderly as they frequently exhibit less obvious symptoms. Appendicitis is often dismissed as gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach or intestines).

When To Seek Medical Care

• If acute pain is accompanied by fever and/or vomiting a health care professional should be contacted. The same is true if the pain lasts for more than four hours. A CT scan of the stomach and ultrasound are used to diagnose appendicitis. A blood test and urinalysis are often performed.

Ruptured Appendix

• A ruptured or burst appendix can cause serious complications. The stomach will become hard and swollen. Fever is common and so is severe pain. Immediate treatment is required.

Surgery

• Surgery is the best and most common treatment for appendicitis. Laparoscopic surgery is the most common and preferred procedure. Patients gradually return to a normal diet and activity over a two to four week time frame.