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Understanding appendicitis
Audience: patients-public, students-learners ยท Review state: published
What it is
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. It usually happens when the appendix becomes blocked, letting bacteria multiply inside it.
It can affect anyone but is most common between the ages of 10 and 30. Without treatment the appendix can burst, spreading infection through the abdomen, which is life-threatening.
Symptoms
The typical pattern is pain that begins near the navel and within hours shifts to the lower right abdomen, becoming sharper and worse with movement, coughing, or deep breaths. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and a low fever usually follow.
Symptoms can be atypical in young children, pregnant women, and older adults, which makes diagnosis harder in these groups.
When to seek help
Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Anyone with worsening abdominal pain, especially pain settling in the lower right abdomen with fever or vomiting, should be assessed urgently.
Eating, drinking, and taking painkillers or laxatives are best avoided before assessment, because surgery may be needed and some medicines can mask or worsen the picture.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis combines the examination with blood tests and imaging, usually ultrasound or a CT scan. In some cases the picture is so typical that surgeons proceed directly.
The standard treatment is surgical removal of the appendix, usually by keyhole surgery, with most people home within a day or two. Selected early, uncomplicated cases may be treated with antibiotics under close supervision. A normal life without an appendix is entirely possible.
Limitations
General educational overview, not medical advice and not a diagnosis. Suspected appendicitis is an emergency and belongs in urgent care, not watchful waiting at home.