The symptoms of appendicitis may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s age, the position of the appendix, or the progression of the disease, but regardless of this, it is a condition that requires urgent surgical treatment.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small organ connected to the large intestine in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
This inflammation occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, which may happen due to hardened stool, the presence of a foreign body, or an infection that results in swelling of the lymphatic tissue in the area.
This blockage leads to bacterial growth, causing an infection which, if untreated, can quickly progress to perforation. This allows the infected contents to spill into the abdominal cavity and cause peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Appendicitis symptoms
Although symptoms may vary in perception and severity, the classic signs that usually alert to this condition are:
- Abdominal pain: the most characteristic symptom, it usually begins around the navel and then shifts to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. This change in location is often a key indicator for diagnosis. It is a constant pain that intensifies over time.
- Abdominal tenderness: localized tenderness is present in the lower right quadrant; pressure on this area may increase the pain, especially if released quickly.
- Nausea and vomiting: in the early stages of appendicitis, these gastrointestinal problems are common and usually appear after the abdominal pain.
- Fever: a mild fever, not exceeding 38.5 °C, may develop and is also one of the initial symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the fever may worsen.
- Changes in bowel habits: some patients experience diarrhea or constipation, as well as difficulty passing gas.
- Loss of appetite: a very common early sign.
- Other signs: patients may also experience pain when extending the right leg while lying down (psoas sign), pain when internally rotating the right hip (obturator sign), or pain in the lower right quadrant when pressing on the left side of the abdomen (Rovsing’s sign).
It is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a specialist, since the symptoms of appendicitis are similar to other conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or gastroenteritis.
Treatment for appendicitis
Treatment is usually surgical, although there is the option of considering a conservative approach with antibiotics in patients with uncomplicated appendicitis who also meet other specific criteria.
An appendectomy is the treatment of choice to address this condition and involves the removal of the inflamed appendix. This procedure can be performed through open surgery, which is usually reserved for cases of generalized peritonitis or when laparoscopy is not available; meanwhile, laparoscopic surgery is more commonly used, as it offers a shorter recovery time and less postoperative pain.
In some cases, antibiotics can control the infection and delay or avoid surgery; however, this approach carries a higher risk of recurrence and is generally reserved for patients with surgical contraindications.
There is no way to completely prevent appendicitis, but a diet rich in fiber may help reduce the risk of its development.
Paying close attention to the symptoms of appendicitis is essential to seek proper medical care and prevent this condition from progressing to something much more serious.
At the High Specialty Surgery Center of the ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
MSD Manuals, NIH, Kids Health
