Appendicitis: Warning Signs & Emergency Treatment
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that occurs when the appendix — a small finger-shaped pouch on the lower right side of the abdomen — becomes inflamed or infected.
If not treated quickly, it can burst and lead to serious complications like peritonitis or abscess formation.
Understanding the early signs, knowing when to seek medical help, and getting timely treatment is crucial for safety.
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis happens when the appendix becomes blocked due to:
- Swelling of lymph tissues
- Hard stool (fecolith)
- Infection
- Worms (rare)
- Tumors (rare)
This blockage causes swelling, bacterial growth, and eventually severe pain.
If untreated, a burst appendix can become life-threatening.
Early Warning Signs of Appendicitis
Symptoms usually start suddenly and worsen over hours.
1. Pain Around the Belly Button
This pain later moves to the lower right abdomen, becoming sharp and intense.
2. Loss of Appetite
One of the earliest and most common signs.
3. Nausea & Vomiting
Often follows the onset of abdominal pain.
4. Low-Grade Fever
Fever may rise as infection progresses.
5. Abdominal Tenderness
The lower right side becomes extremely sensitive when pressed.
6. Difficulty Walking or Standing Straight
Pain worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
7. Bloating or Gas Inability
Due to intestinal inflammation.
Red-Flag Symptoms – Seek Emergency Care Immediately
If you notice any of the following, rush to the hospital:
- Severe abdomen pain that worsens rapidly
- Pain shifting to lower right abdomen
- High fever
- Repeated vomiting
- Abdominal swelling
- Pain with walking or jumping
- Inability to pass gas or stool
A delayed appendicitis diagnosis can lead to:
- Burst appendix
- Internal infection
- Abscess formation
- Blood infection (sepsis)
This becomes a surgical emergency.
Diagnosis of Appendicitis
A doctor may perform:
- Physical examination
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Urine test
- Ultrasound
- CT scan (most accurate)
Prompt diagnosis prevents complications.
Emergency Treatment for Appendicitis
✔️ 1. Laparoscopic Appendectomy (Most Preferred)
A minimally invasive surgery where 2–3 tiny incisions are made to remove the infected appendix.
Benefits:
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Minimal scars
- Short hospital stay
- Quick return to routine activities
✔️ 2. Open Appendectomy
Performed when:
- The appendix has ruptured
- There is widespread infection
- Laparoscopy isn’t suitable due to complications
✔️ 3. Antibiotics
Used to control infection before surgery or in special cases where surgery is temporarily delayed.
What Happens If Appendicitis Is Ignored?
A burst appendix can cause:
- Pus inside the abdomen
- Severe infection
- Septic shock
- Life-threatening complications
Immediate surgery is the only safe solution.
Recovery After Appendicitis Surgery
- Most patients recover within 5–7 days
- Light activities can be resumed in a week
- Heavy lifting should be avoided for 3–4 weeks
- Follow prescribed antibiotics and pain medications
- Keep the surgical area clean and dry
How to Prevent Appendicitis?
While not always preventable, reducing the risk is possible by:
- Eating high-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding chronic constipation
- Maintaining gut health
When to Visit a Specialist?
If you experience sudden abdominal pain — especially in the lower right side — do not delay.
Appendicitis needs urgent evaluation by an experienced surgeon to avoid life-threatening complications.
Dr. Ankur Bhanushali specializes in Laparoscopic Appendectomy, offering fast, safe, and scar-minimizing treatment.
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🏥 Aayush Multispecialty Hospital
👨⚕️ Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
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