Appendix how does it happen

The pain tends to be more constant and severe than the dull, aching pain that occurs when symptoms start. However, some people may have an appendix that lies behind the colon. Appendicitis that occurs in these people can cause lower back pain or pelvic pain.

You may also have the chills. If your appendix bursts, the resulting infection could cause your fever to rise. Appendicitis can cause nausea and vomiting. You may also become constipated or develop severe diarrhea. This may be related to underlying appendicitis.

They also may have a difficult time pinpointing the pain, and they may say that the pain is in their entire abdomen. This can make it difficult to determine that appendicitis is the cause. Parents can easily mistake appendicitis for a stomach bug or urinary tract infection UTI.

A ruptured appendix can be dangerous for anyone, but the risk of death is highest in infants and toddlers. Many appendicitis symptoms are similar to the discomforts of pregnancy. These include stomach cramping, nausea, and vomiting. However, pregnant women may not always have the classic symptoms of appendicitis, especially late in pregnancy. The growing uterus pushes the appendix higher during pregnancy.

This means pain may occur in the upper abdomen instead of the lower right side of the abdomen. Pregnant women with appendicitis are also more likely to experience heartburn , gas, or alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. These may include:. The medications will help prevent an infection from developing after surgery. Your surgeon will then perform surgery to remove your appendix. This is called an appendectomy. Your surgeon may perform an open appendectomy or a laparoscopic appendectomy.

This depends on the severity of your appendicitis. During an open appendectomy, your surgeon makes one incision in the lower right side of your abdomen. They remove your appendix and close the wound with stitches. This procedure allows your doctor to clean the abdominal cavity if your appendix has burst or if you have an abscess.

During a laparoscopic appendectomy, your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen. Appendicitis can pose risks to your health, but so can surgery. Some people wonder if preventive surgery is the best approach. Contrary to conventional wisdom, your appendix might serve a purpose. It might be a haven for useful bacteria in your body. These useful bacteria might help promote good digestion and support your immune system.

For years, researchers have noticed that appendicitis increases when communities introduce sanitary water systems. Such modern conveniences may lead to fewer friendly organisms in our environments. In turn, this may cause your immune system to become overactive. It may leave your body vulnerable to certain disorders such as, appendicitis.

The infection might start in your stomach and travel to your appendix. It might also arise from a hardened piece of feces in your intestinal tract. Without treatment, you could develop an abscess or ruptured appendix.

This can be a life-threatening condition and warrants immediate medical attention. If you suspect you have appendicitis, make an appointment with your doctor. To diagnose your condition, they will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. They may also order lab work and imaging tests. The traditional approach to treating appendicitis is surgery.

More and more, doctors are turning to minimally invasive surgery , or laparoscopy. To perform minimally invasive surgery, your doctor will typically use two or more short incisions instead of one longer incision.

In some cases, your doctor might try to avoid surgery altogether. A recent review of research published in the British Medical Journal found that antibiotics might be the best treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis. Using antibiotics rather than surgery appears to lower the risk of complications by at least 31 percent.

It appears to be a safe and effective option for uncomplicated appendicitis. Your doctor can use imaging techniques to learn if your appendicitis is uncomplicated or requires surgery. Call to ask for an ambulance if you have pain that suddenly gets worse and spreads across your abdomen, or if your pain temporarily improves before getting worse again.

A burst appendix can cause peritonitis , which is a serious infection of the inner lining of the abdomen. Find out more about the complications of appendicitis. Page last reviewed: 18 February Next review due: 18 February Pressing on this area, coughing or walking may make the pain worse.