Appendicitis: Symptoms & How to Treat

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an inflammation or infection in your appendix. Your appendix is a small pouch connected to your intestines. It’s in the lower, right side of your belly.

It’s thought that the appendix plays a role in immune function in children but not in adults.

Appendicitis starts because something blocks your appendix. It could be from stool, swollen lymph nodes, tumors, a parasite, or an infection. This creates inflammation and causes swelling and pain in the abdomen.

Appendicitis is usually treated with surgery to remove the appendix. Though sometimes, when caught early, it can be treated with antibiotics.

How do you check if you have appendicitis?

If you feel a sharp pain that’s only in the lower, right part of your belly, go to an emergency room. Or call 911. Especially if it got very painful, really fast (within 24 hours).

The appendix can burst (rupture), which can spread the infection throughout the body and be life-threatening.

Most common appendicitis symptoms

The most common symptom of appendicitis is intense pain in the right, lower belly. You might feel it around your belly button first.

The pain gets worse with any movement, like when you cough, jump, or even hitting a bump on a car ride. It’s also very sensitive to the touch.

You also might have these symptoms:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Aren’t hungry
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Can’t pass gas

What makes you more likely to get it

• More common in people ages 10 and 30
• Having a family member who had appendicitis increases your risk
• More common in males

What is the main cause of appendicitis?

Appendicitis happens when the appendix is blocked by something. Either stool, swollen lymph nodes, tumors, parasites, or infections and swelling of nearby organs.

The blockage creates inflammation or an infection. The appendix then swells until it bursts or is treated.

Treatment for appendicitis

In most cases of appendicitis, you’ll have emergency surgery to remove the appendix. You’ll also be given an antibiotic for the infection.

In some cases, a doctor may try antibiotics instead of surgery. Symptoms would need to be mild and no other complications like an abscess (collection of pus).

Your doctor will monitor you closely to make sure symptoms improve. People who are treated with antibiotics have an increased risk of getting appendicitis again.

Medication

Appendicitis is always treated with antibiotics, even when you have surgery. Which kind depends on your age and how severe your appendicitis is.

The doctor might also give you medication for the pain or nausea. You’ll also get intravenous (IV) fluids since you can’t eat until the infection is gone.

If your case is mild, you might be sent home with just oral antibiotics and pain medications. You’ll be told to follow a liquid diet until your symptoms of appendicitis are gone. Take all prescribed antibiotics. Watch for signs of the infection or inflammation getting worse (redness, swelling, or pain). If that happens, you might need emergency surgery.

Here are some over the counter treatment that might help:

• Pain Relief: For discomfort and pain management, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to help alleviate pain. Remember, it's crucial to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can aggravate the condition.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is key, especially if you're experiencing symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions can help maintain electrolyte balance.
• Gentle Nutrition: If you're able to eat, opt for a bland diet to minimize digestive stress. Applesauce and broth can be soothing options.

Surgery

Your surgeon will remove the appendix to prevent it from bursting. This is usually done through small incisions (laparoscopy). If you have a ruptured appendix, the surgery will include cleaning out the area to prevent infection.

Follow-up

If your appendix is removed, recovery from the surgery might take a few days to a few weeks. It will take longer to heal if your appendix burst. Keep the area of the surgery clean and dry and follow your discharge instructions. Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or pain). Take any prescribed antibiotics.

If your appendicitis was treated with only antibiotics, you need to monitor your symptoms afterwards. If they get worse, call your doctor right away or go to the ER.

Could that stomachache in your child be appendicitis?

Appendicitis is most common in teenagers and young adults. It can happen to children, though. Kids tend to have vague symptoms, such as not wanting to eat, or loose stools.

Often diagnosis and treatment are delayed in children. The chance of their appendix bursting is then higher. Treatment—antibiotics or surgery—is the same.