Recognizing the Signs of Appendicitis
� Abdominal Discomfort. Many medical conditions cause abdominal discomfort. This ranges from mild conditions such as constipation to serious illnesses like stomach or colon cancer. Early symptoms of appendicitis are usually vague. Thus, many will attribute pain or discomfort to other less serious conditions such as gas. With appendicitis, pain usually begins near the navel area and gradually moves to the lower right abdomen. As the condition progresses, symptoms will intensify. The discomfort is best described as a sharp pain, which impeded movement. Back pain is also common.
� Fever. If appendicitis is suspected, take your temperature. Often times, those suffering from appendicitis will have a low grade fever.
� Nausea
� Vomiting
� Loss of Appetite
Treatment Options for Appendicitis
Unfortunately, appendicitis cannot be treated with medications. Instead, surgery is necessary to remove the appendix before it ruptures. This procedure is called an appendectomy. By removing the appendix, physicians hope to prevent an infection, which could spread to other organs located in the abdomen.
Because appendicitis if often hard to diagnose, doctors may delay surgery until certain. Many conditions cause similar pain in the lower or upper right abdomen. These might include gallstones, kidney stones, excessive gas, etc. On average, patients must wait a few hours before having surgery. However, medication is administered to mask the pain.
Appendectomies can be preformed laparoscopic. This procedure involves three or four small incisions in the lower abdomen. Once the appendix is removed, most people feel immediate relief and can go home within a few hours.
On the other hand, if appendicitis is treated after the appendix has burst, a longer hospital stay may be required. This is only necessary is there is an infection. Abdominal infections are easily treated with antibiotics.
