Appendicitis Symptoms and Causes You Should Know

What Is Appendicitis and Why Is It Dangerous?

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It’s a serious medical condition that can be fatal if it's left untreated. Call 911 or head to your nearest AdventHealth emergency room to be diagnosed and treated right away to prevent complications from appendicitis, like a burst appendix, which is a medical emergency that can cause life-threatening peritonitis or sepsis by spreading bacteria from your bowels throughout your abdominal cavity.

Keep reading to learn more about how appendicitis feels, along with possible causes so you’re more equipped with information if you think you or someone close to you might have appendicitis symptoms.

What Does Appendicitis Pain Feel Like?

Appendicitis causes pain in the lower right part of the belly. But pain usually begins around the belly button and then moves around. As the inflammation increases, appendicitis pain typically worsens and eventually progresses to severe pain.

More appendicitis symptoms can include:

• Bloating and gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fever that may increase as appendicitis worsens
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain that worsens when coughing, walking or making other sudden movements
• Sudden pain that begins around the belly button and often shifts to the lower right belly
• Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower belly

Where Is Your Appendix Located?

Your appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that sticks out from the colon on the lower right side of your belly, or your abdomen.

Do Appendicitis Symptoms Differ for Men, Women and Children?

Anyone can develop appendicitis; however, it most often occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30, and males are at a slightly higher risk than females. Treatment of appendicitis is usually antibiotics and, in most instances, surgery to remove the appendix.

Can Eating Certain Foods Trigger Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is primarily caused by blockages in the appendix, often due to hardened stool or other foreign materials. One meal is unlikely to directly trigger appendicitis, but some dietary choices can increase the risk by contributing to these blockages or exacerbating inflammation.

Specific foods that may increase the risk of developing appendicitis or worsen symptoms include:

• High-fat and high-cholesterol foods:

  These can lead to constipation and strain on the digestive system, potentially increasing the risk of blockages and inflammation.

• Spicy foods:

  These can irritate the digestive tract and worsen inflammation, potentially making symptoms of appendicitis more severe.

• Foods with seeds or nuts:

  Small seeds or nuts can get stuck in the appendix opening, leading to inflammation and infection.

• High-lactose dairy products:

  Regular and high consumption of dairy products like cheese and ice cream may contribute to the development of appendicitis.

• Low-fiber diet:

  A diet lacking in fiber can lead to constipation and harder stools, increasing the likelihood of blockages in the appendix.

Can Running, Jumping or Laying Down After Eating Cause Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is not caused by food or activity. The primary cause of appendicitis is the blockage of the appendix lumen, often by stool, or inflammation due to infection. Jarring movements can worsen appendicitis pain though. If the appendix is already inflamed, movements like jumping, running or even coughing can exacerbate pain.

Can You Check for Appendicitis at Home?

At home, along with paying close attention to your symptoms, you can lay on your left side and extend your right hip. Flex your right hip and knee and rotate your right hip. If you experience sharp abdominal pain, it’s a good sign you might have appendicitis. Head directly to your nearest ER.

Appendicitis is diagnosed by a medical professional who will ask about your symptoms, examine you and sometimes use imaging tests.

Is Appendicitis Always an Emergency?

Yes, appendicitis is typically considered a medical emergency. It's vital to seek immediate medical attention at the ER if you think you have appendicitis.

Here's why appendicitis is considered an emergency:

• Risk of rupture:
  The appendix can rupture as quickly as 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin.
• Peritonitis:
  If the appendix ruptures, the infected contents can spill into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, a severe and life-threatening infection.
• Serious complications:
  Unruptured appendicitis can still cause complications if left untreated, such as an abscess forming.

• Prompt treatment is key:

  Early intervention and removal of the inflamed appendix prevent these serious complications.

What Type of Doctor Treats Appendicitis?

A general surgeon or a gastroenterologist are the best doctors to treat appendicitis. After an ER physician diagnoses you, they’ll likely refer you to one of these specialists.

General surgeons specialize in abdominal surgery and are qualified to perform appendectomy, the surgical procedure to remove the appendix.

Gastroenterologists are doctors who focus on digestive disorders and may also diagnose and treat appendicitis.

Appendicitis Treatment Options

When your appendix is infected and inflamed, there's no time to waste — you'll need appendicitis treatment immediately.

Sometimes antibiotics can be used to fight off an infection of the appendix. But more commonly, you’ll need surgery to remove your appendix.

Appendectomies, or removals of the appendix, are among the most-common emergency surgical procedures. Within our system of care, our surgeons can do both open and laparoscopic appendectomies. Although having an organ removed can be concerning, know that with experienced surgeons the procedure is relatively simple and will help to ease your pain so you can resume your everyday life.

An open appendectomy is the traditional procedure, where the surgeon removes the organ through a three-inch incision in your abdomen. With newer, more-innovative technology available, you may also be able to have the surgery with a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure. You'll leave the hospital with only three small scars and enjoy a faster recovery time. In many cases, you will likely be able to go home the same day as your laparoscopic procedure, like Kelly Clarkson. According to reports, she'll be back to work filming the live episode of The Voice on Monday evening.

Find out more about how our experts deliver our whole-person care approach to appendicitis at AdventHealth.