Inflammation of the appendix may result in appendicitis — a dangerous condition which should be addressed promptly by a general surgeon.
Los Angeles County residents should be aware of the common signs and symptoms of appendicitis so that they know when to go to a doctor if it is necessary.
Appendicitis can be a life threatening condition, because, in some cases, the appendix may burst. By recognizing and understanding the symptoms of appendicitis, San Dimas patients can address the condition prior to it becoming an emergency situation.
What are the Common Appendicitis Symptoms?
Pain Around the Navel or Belly Button
This is the first sign of appendicitis. Shortly after a person experiences discomfort in this region, the pain likely will move to the lower right side of the abdominal area. The pain may worsen if you sneeze or cough or if you are bumped or jarred in some way.
Abdominal Pain that Increases Quickly and Furiously
Once present, the pain will increase quickly. Past patients have said that the pain is indescribable and not comparable to other types of pain that they have felt.
Flu-like Symptoms such as a Low Grade Fever, Body Aches or Chills
Patients should monitor their symptoms, for some people confuse it with an average stomach bug. If a fever reaches 103 degrees and the stomach pain intensifies, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
Vomiting and Nausea
Vomiting and nausea may not be intense with appendicitis, but it can happen. If it continues for more than 12 hours, a doctor should be contacted. Patients may also notice that they simply do not have an appetite for a few days.
Bloating of the Stomach and Excessive Gas.
Bloating is fairly common in many people, especially if they are dealing with poor diet choices and indigestion. However, if bloating occurs first thing in the morning and is relatively painful, it should be noted and monitored, as it can be a sign of appendicitis.
Bouts of Diarrhea or Excessive and Unusual Constipation
This will likely occur after abdominal pain begins. If there is mucus in the diarrhea, patients should contact a doctor immediately.
Pushing on the Abdominal Area May Cause Rebound Tenderness, or Pain as You Lift Your Hands Away From Your Abdomen.
Doctors recommend that if you experience rebound pain, you refrain from touching the abdominal region so that you do not disturb the appendix any more than necessary.
For most people, the first sign of appendicitis is abdominal pain and the other symptoms of this condition follow shortly. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as you start to feel like the abdominal pain is unusual or more extreme than usual. Appendicitis can occur in patients of all ages and at any time.
It can happen to relatively healthy people as well as people who have other health conditions. It’s important to recognize the early signs and symptoms so that the appendix can be removed before it bursts, avoiding significant health complications and fatality risks.
