Appendicitis – Symptoms You Should Know
To find out whether the pain is due to appendicitis or just gas, you can put pressure on the right iliac fossa. When the pain goes away, it’s gas.
There are many people who need urgent surgery for appendicitis . Appendicitis is a medical emergency – so it’s good to know the symptoms.
How does this happen? It is an inflammation of the appendix, which is located at the beginning of the large intestine. The disease affects children and adults alike, so today we invite you to learn more about the symptoms.
Symptoms of appendicitis
1. The nature of the pain
- The pain usually starts in the belly button, but it gradually spreads to the lower right abdominal area, just above the hip.
- With pressure in this area, you will feel an intense, acute and unbearable pain.
- The stomach feels hard. Even with light pressure you can feel that the stomach is hard and firm. Feeling full is also typical. If so, it could be an inflammation of the intestines, possibly inflammation of the appendix, which can cause serious problems.
- When walking there is often severe pain in the hip – always on the right side.
- The only immediate relief comes from lying down, but the rest is only temporary.
- Severe pain or burning in the abdomen when coughing are clear signs of inflammation in the abdominal area, such as the appendix.
- With these symptoms, medical care or surgery within 12 to 24 hours can be vital. This should be taken into account especially with children. Even if the symptoms are inconclusive or not as severe, they should be reported to the doctor.
2. Secondary symptoms accompanying the abdominal pain
- Fever. If the pain in the right abdominal area is accompanied by even a slight fever, you should consult a doctor immediately!
- Constipation. Appendicitis always leads to minor gastrointestinal problems. Constipation often occurs. The forced emptying can cause pain.
- Loss of appetite. Often you get an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. You feel full and bloated very quickly, but without suffering from flatulence.
- Vomiting, malaise, and fatigue often accompany other symptoms of appendicitis. These complaints often occur before the pain becomes unbearable – a quick visit to the doctor is therefore necessary!
How does appendicitis develop?
- Lymphatic Follicle Hyperplasia: The name is complicated but easy to understand. The lymph follicles have important functions in the appendix, but if they become inflamed, grow and block, it leads to infection and fever. The greatest risk is between the ages of 8 and 30, which is why appendicitis is most acute at this age.
- Debris: Sometimes fecal debris builds up in this part of the intestine. This hinders the intestines, makes them sick and infects them. The fluid supply is hindered. Incidentally, even with constant constipation, the risk of appendicitis is greater. Little by little, the intestines become sluggish, which leads to infection, inflammation, etc. Dangerous peritonitis could also be the result.
- Inflammation: The appendix is lined with lymph follicles. Sometimes bacteria or foreign elements stick to these small elements and cause disease and infection. This is not uncommon when we consider that a lot of harmful bacteria migrate through our intestines.
Good nutrition can be helpful as a preventative measure. You can’t completely avoid appendicitis, but you can at least reduce the risk.
If you suffer from constipation, you should definitely treat it by changing your diet, of course. The cleansing of the organism is also a recommended precautionary measure that also promotes general health.
Lots of fluids, fiber, vegetables and fresh fruits, and probiotics promote general and intestinal health. Foods such as kefir or Greek yogurt supply the organism with healthy bacteria and protect the intestines.
A glass of warm water with lemon on an empty stomach is also highly recommended: This frees the body of harmful substances and supplies it with vitamins.