When inflamed, the appendix swells and becomes filled with a thick, infectious fluid calledpus.
This article will provide insight into what causes the appendix to become inflamed.
It will also highlight the symptoms, diagnosis, andtreatment of appendicitis.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Can I Tell I Have Appendicitis at Home?
No, there is no way to diagnose appendicitis at home.
What Causes Appendicitis?
What Is Pus?
The swelling and pressure buildup within the inflamed appendix disturbs its blood supply.
This can lead tonecrosis(tissue death) and, eventually,ruptureor bursting open of the appendix.
The following factors are common in people whose appendix ruptures:
How Common Is Appendicitis?
In the United States, appendicitis is diagnosed in about 250,000 individuals yearly.
It’s most common in people aged 20 to 30 years.
Is Appendicitis Always a Medical Emergency?
Appendicitis is always a medical emergency.
Symptoms Before Appendicitis Rupture
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of appendicitis.
Pain is present in almost all cases of appendicitis.
It typically begins near the belly button before traveling to thelower right side of the abdomen.
The pain may start as crampy and vague before graduallybecoming sharper and severewithin about 12 to 24 hours.
Physical Exam
During the physical exam, the healthcare provider will gently press on your abdomen.
Tenderness in the lower right side of your belly is a classic sign of appendicitis.
Stiffness (rigidity) of your stomach muscles and guarding may also be present.
Right-sided rectal tenderness supports a diagnosis of appendicitis.
Apelvic examinationmay be given to rule out mimicking gynecologic conditions.
An elevated white blood cell count suggests infection in the body, whereas an elevated CRP suggests inflammation.
If a urinalysis is done, white blood cells may also be seen in the urine in acute appendicitis.
This might lead to a misdiagnosis of a urinary tract infection.
Imaging Tests
An imaging test of the abdomen can help confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis.
It can also help determine whether the appendix has ruptured and rule out alternative diagnoses.
While imaging is very sensitive and specific, it can still miss cases.
The preferred imaging study for children or pregnant people is anabdominal ultrasound.
There is no radiation exposure with ultrasound, as it uses sound waves to visualize structures within the body.
What Are the Most Common Treatments?
Appendectomy, or surgical appendix removal, is the standard treatment for appendicitis.
This surgery is performed by ageneral surgeonunder general anesthesia.
However, not everyone is a candidate for laparoscopic surgery.
Open surgery is recommended if your appendix is very inflamed or has ruptured.
The presence of scar tissue from prior abdominal surgery is another additional indication for open surgery.
Surgery vs. Don’t hesitate to voice your wishes, questions, and concerns.
If you underwent open surgery, you might stay in the hospital for up to three days.
Pain in the abdomen and around the incision site(s) is common after surgery.
A physical exam, blood tests, and an imaging test are used to assess people for possible appendicitis.
Imaging is very sensitive and specific but can still miss cases.
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