You can experience abdominal pain for any number of reasons. Most of the time, this is not a matter of concern. However, if you are experiencing this pain because of an infection in your appendix, then you need to get medical help immediately. Your appendix is a thin appendage that is located in the lower-right portion of your abdomen. Food or fecal matter can get lodged inside the appendix. This can lead to a bacterial infection, which causes the appendix to become inflamed. This condition is known as appendicitis. Appendicitis can be a life-threatening condition if it is left untreated.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

There are many symptoms of appendicitis that help distinguish it from other types of abdominal pain. These include:

• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Intermittent abdominal pain around the navel area. This progresses to the lower right side of your abdomen. If you apply pressure on this area, the pain can get worse. The pain also changes in intensity over time.

Causes of Appendicitis

Appendicitis can result due to several reasons. Some of the possible causes for this condition include:

• The opening inside your appendix gets blocked due to food or fecal matter
• The tissues of your appendix become inflamed. A primary infection in your body is responsible for this.

• Your appendix becomes clogged due to parasites
• You have inflammatory bowel disease
• Your abdomen experiences trauma from an external source

Treatment of Appendicitis

The treatment for appendicitis is the surgical removal of your appendix. This is known as an appendectomy. There are various methods in which this can be done. Your surgeon can make an incision in your belly to remove the appendix. They can also perform a laparoscopy. This involves making miniature incisions in the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope to remove the appendix.

If you are suffering from appendicitis, then getting prompt treatment is essential. If your appendix ruptures, it can lead to peritonitis. This is a condition where the lining of your abdomen becomes inflamed. A burst appendix can also cause an abscess near the site of rupture.

Recovering From Appendicitis

In most cases, you will be allowed to go home within three days after getting surgery. Recovery can take up to one month, depending on the type of surgery you get. If your appendix ruptures, then you are likely to stay in the hospital for a slightly longer period.

Let’s Sum It Up

Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain. If you believe you are suffering from the symptoms of appendicitis, get in touch with a doctor immediately. If you wait too long, your appendix may rupture, which can lead to further complications.

If you require further advice on the symptoms and treatment of appendicitis, book an appointment with a physician at Health One Family Medicine.

Visit https://www.healthonemedicine.com or call 469-208-9770 for more information.