What does it mean when your appendix bursts?

Appendicitis is a medical condition in which the appendix, a small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and infected. When the inflammation becomes severe, the appendix can rupture or burst. This is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms of a burst appendix include:

- Sudden, sharp pain in the lower right abdomen that worsens with coughing or moving

- Nausea and vomiting

- Loss of appetite

- Low-grade fever

- Abdominal swelling and tenderness

- Difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement

- Chills

- Sweating

- Rapid heart rate

- Confusion or disorientation

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will likely order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis of a burst appendix. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the appendix and any surrounding infection. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent or treat infection.

Burst appendices can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you suspect that your appendix has burst, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately.