Appendicitis is a condition that occurs when your appendix, which is a worm shaped pouch (or tube) starts to inflame. This tube is around 3 ½ inch long and it extends from the large intestine. Doctors are not certain about the primary function of the appendix, but one thing that is for sure, is that humans can survive without it and not suffer from immediate/apparent consequences.
When appendicitis occurs, it requires immediate medical attention because if the inflamed appendix bursts, it will spill infectious materials into the abdominal cavity. This can cause an infection called peritonitis, which is nothing but serious abdominal inflammation. This can be fatal unless it is being treated quickly with strong antibiotics.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of appendicitis that can help you give a heads up on when to run off to the nearest hospital.
- Belly Button Pain
This is the first sign of appendicitis. The pain usually starts on the lower-right side of the abdomen and is the very first sign of the condition. It will start with just a slight discomfort near the belly button, but after some time, it moves to the lower abdomen.
The pain gets worse gradually, and you will start feeling pain even when you move your legs or abdomen, cough, or sneeze.
- Fever and Chills
According to Dr. Payne from health.com, some symptoms of appendicitis may even mimic those of a stomach bug, including a low-grade fever, chills and shaking.
Dr. Payne says that if you're having a stomach pain with a 100-degree fever, it probably has nothing much to do with appendicitis, and so there's nothing much to worry about. But if you have a severe stomach ache that prevents you from standing up straight with a 103-degree fever, it is probably appendicitis.
- Vomiting, Nausea, and Loss of Appetite
You might be having some mild nausea and a low appetite, and some vomiting. But if it gets better after a day or two, then it was probably a stomach bug and so you should be fine.
If the nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite start to get worse, and if all that are combined with a fever and severe stomach pain preventing you from standing up straight, then it is the time to seek medical attention.
