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Ruptured Appendix Symptoms

Appendicitis is an inflammation and infection of the appendix. If an infected appendix is not removed in due time, it can rupture as a result of the built up pressure inside. A ruptured appendix can occur as soon as 24 hours after the initial appendicitis symptoms begin.

  1. Pain

    • Appendicitis symptoms usually start with severe pain in the area around the navel and then usually moving toward the lower right abdomen where the appendix is located. Usually, the pain starts off mild and becomes increasingly more severe and sharper as time passes. The appendix may rupture within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms--individuals may feel a release of pain and pressure as the appendix ruptures. It is important to contact your health care provider immediately if this happens.

    Other Symptoms

    • Severe abdominal ache is not the only symptom. Other common symptoms associated with a ruptured appendix include feelings of nausea accompanied by occasional vomiting, appetite loss and a mild, dull fever that appears shortly after the initial symptoms of pain and nausea.

    Rupturing

    • During the actual rupturing of the appendix, some might experience a brief lessening of pain. However, shortly afterward the lining of the abdominal cavity starts to become inflamed and infected (which is called peritonitis) and the pain starts to get worse again. Again, contact your health care provider if you experience this set of symptoms.

    Later Symptoms

    • After the ruptured appendix occurs, the person might experience other symptoms. Some of these symptoms include severe digestive issues, body chills, fever, vomiting, nausea, shakiness or tremors, and appetite loss. These symptoms are usually accompanied by the aforementioned intense abdominal aching.

    Warning

    • A ruptured appendicitis requires medical (surgical) treatment. If you are experiencing moderate to severe abdominal pain that has steadily increased in intensity and does not come and go, have fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, contact your health care provider immediately.

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