Appendicitis Explained: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed, blocked, or infected. There are numerous causes, some of which are more prevalent in certain age groups and genders. Although appendicitis occurs most frequently in people under 30, it can happen at any age (via Mayo Clinic).

This little organ may have gone unnoticed by you, but when it is aggravated by swelling or infection, it has the power to cause havoc in your body. An inflamed or infected appendix usually causes abdominal pain and symptoms that mimic various gastrointestinal illnesses. It may be difficult to distinguish between normal abdominal pain and abdominal pain caused by appendicitis. In addition, appendicitis is among the most common reasons why people undergo abdominal surgery, and is said to affect more than 5% of the American population (per Merck Manual). 

Thus, it is important to know common symptoms, causes, and treatments if you are experiencing abdominal pain or if you suspect that you may have appendicitis.

It is easy to dismiss early signs of appendicitis. Some warning signs, such as bloating and gas, are less noticeable. However, as the following symptoms become more apparent, most people will realize something is wrong. Early symptoms vary according to age and may include mild abdominal pain that feels like gas. It is not uncommon for gas-related pain to hurt (via Healthline).

If no other symptom exists, you may try a gas relief medication and hope for the pain to subside. But if the pain intensifies or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Mild nausea and loss of appetite can also present in the early stages of appendicitis. Nausea is a common symptom of many other health concerns; therefore, you may brush it off as nothing serious. However, if you start to vomit and increased pain is associated, that could indicate your condition is more serious.

Everyone reacts to pain and illness in their unique way. There is no such thing as a perfect cookie cutter example for any disease, but there are some common signs and symptoms to be aware of.

Adults with appendicitis typically experience subtle pain that may initially present in the mid to upper portion of the abdomen. As the appendix swells, symptoms will likely worsen and move to a more localized, sharp pain in the lower right portion of the abdomen (per Healthline). Movement or other uncontrollable reactions, such as sneezing or coughing, will worsen the pain from appendicitis. Adults may also experience nausea, fatigue, constipation, bloating, and fever, according to a 2019 study published in U.S. Pharmacist.

Adults are more sensitive to changes in their bodies than young children. On the other hand, some adults can be obstinate and try to ignore symptoms or endure the pain until it becomes a medical emergency. Seek medical attention as soon as you feel your symptoms are more severe than just a stomach ache to prevent any potential consequences that could be brought on by delaying treatment (via E Medicine Health).

Most people know that worsening abdominal pain is a common sign of appendicitis. However, did you know that some uncommon symptoms should be taken seriously? 

A few days of feeling gassy and bloated are usually not a cause for concern, especially if you're on the go and your food choices aren't ideal. Don't ignore those symptoms if they persist for a few days without relief; it could indicate that your appendix is flaring up.

Changes in bowel patterns like diarrhea or constipation can be annoying, but you might also mistake them for an upset stomach, virus, or poor dietary choices. Even if that is the reason for the upset, if you notice mucus (slimy-looking stuff) in your stool, if pain persists for more than a few days, or if you develop a fever, it may be one of those uncommon signs of appendicitis. In such instances, you should be examined by a doctor (via Narayana Health).

Your body is unique to you. Therefore, you are the best person to advocate for yourself when anything feels off. You should seek medical attention as soon as you suspect you or your child may have more than infrequent stomach pain or gas. It's important to realize that appendicitis is a medical emergency that will not go away if left untreated. In fact, the longer you wait for a diagnosis, the more likely you are to experience complications and a lengthy hospital stay (via Dignity Health).

According to a 2018 study published in JAMA Surgery, increased healthcare utilization reduces the likelihood of complications and perforation significantly. Delays in prompt care can increase the risk of perforated appendicitis, particularly in children. As a result, promptly seeking medical attention or going to an emergency room can help you avoid further complications and treatments like peritonitis, long-term antibiotic use, inpatient hospitalization, and potential readmission to the hospital for post-op complications.

When it is determined that you have appendicitis, you will be referred to a general surgeon. Treatment options are dependent on whether your appendix has ruptured or is still intact. Your doctor may begin with antibiotics to see if that relieves symptoms and reduces swelling and infection. Treatment with antibiotics alone, on the other hand, is uncommon. As a result, you will most likely require surgical removal. 

An appendectomy involves surgical removal of the appendix performed under general anesthesia, meaning you'll be asleep during the process. In a 2017 study published in JAMA Surgery, appendectomies are the most commonly performed emergency surgical procedures in the United States, with over 300,000 performed each year.

Many surgeries can be performed using a minimally invasive technique known as laparoscopic surgery. If your appendix has not ruptured, laparoscopic appendectomy is the standard removal method. Performed through three small incisions, it allows for quicker recovery. Some surgeons can perform a laparoscopic single incision surgery called a SILS appendectomy. Still, it is up to your surgeon to determine the safest approach for your situation (via Journal of Minimal Access Surgery). If your appendix is ruptured, complications may occur, and you may require an open appendectomy (or laparotomy). A larger incision is made over the right lower abdomen for this technique, allowing the surgeon to clean out the inside of your abdomen (via National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases).

Your hospital recovery may vary depending on the surgical technique and whether you had a ruptured or burst appendix. You might be able to leave the hospital the same day if your appendix was intact and a laparoscopic procedure was performed. Your surgeon will want to ensure you have pain under control, can pee, and keep liquids down without vomiting before being discharged (via Journal of American College of Surgeons).

However, if your appendix ruptured, you might need to stay in the hospital for a few days to receive IV antibiotics. This is especially true if you underwent an open laparotomy or experienced an unanticipated surgical complication (via SCL Health).

Whether you are released from the hospital the same day or several days later, you will need to recover at home. Up to 4 weeks may pass before you are permitted to resume all your regular activities (per the American College of Surgeons). Throughout the recovery period, be patient with yourself. For the first few days, stick to bland, healthy foods. Pain relievers and anesthetics are hard on the body and increase constipation. Moving around as much as possible and drinking plenty of fluids should aid recovery. To help you stay regular, your surgeon may also prescribe a stool softener.