First Aid

Potential Emergency Situations and Conditions

Appendicitis

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-like portion of the large intestine that generally hangs down from the lower right side of the abdomen. Although the appendix does not seem to serve any purpose, it can become diseased and, if untreated, can burst, causing infection and even death.

Appendicitis may occur after a viral infection in the digestive tract or when the tube connecting the large intestine and appendix is blocked or trapped by stool. Because of the risk of rupture, which may happen as soon as 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin, appendicitis is considered an emergency and anyone with symptoms needs to see a doctor immediately.

What are the risk factors for appendicitis?

Appendicitis affects seven percent of the US population and is the most common reason for a child to need emergency abdominal surgery.

Most affected by appendicitis are young people between the ages of 11 and 20. And, most cases of appendicitis occur in the winter months -- between October and May. Having a family history of appendicitis may increase a child's risk for the illness, especially in males, and having cystic fibrosis also seems to put a child at higher risk.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Pain in the right side of the abdomen is the most common symptom of appendicitis. This usually begins near the navel and moves down and to the right side of the body. The pain becomes worse when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, and being touched in the area.

The following are other common symptoms of appendicitis, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

nausea
vomiting
constipation
diarrhea
inability to pass gas
fever that begins after other symptoms
abdominal swelling
urinary tract symptoms
respiratory symptoms

It is important that persons with symptoms of appendicitis not take laxatives or enemas to relieve constipation, as these medications and procedures can cause the appendix to burst. In addition, persons should also avoid taking pain medication, as this can mask other symptoms the physician needs to be aware of.

The symptoms of appendicitis may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, an appendicitis diagnosis is based on:

symptoms present.
blood tests to check for signs of infection such as elevated white blood cell count.
urine tests to rule out a urinary tract infection.
imaging procedures may be used (computed tomography, or CT scan, ultrasound, and/or x-ray) to determine if the appendix is inflamed.

Treatment for appendicitis:

Specific treatment will be determined by your physician, based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy) - People can live a normal life without their appendix and specific changes in diet, exercise, or other lifestyle factors may not be necessary.
medication

This page was last updated on: January 25, 2008.

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