WHAT IS APPENDICITIS?

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that mostly always requires prompt surgery to remove the appendix. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix eventually bursts, perforates or spills infectious materials into the abdominal cavity. 

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, often by stool, a foreign body, infection or cancer. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS?

• The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:
• Usually, the first sign is a dull pain near the navel , upper abdomen or rectum that becomes sharper 
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins
• Abdominal swelling
• Fever, Cramps
• Inability to pass gas, urinate

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: As symptoms of appendicitis are extremely similar to other ailments, including gallbladder problems, bladder or urinary tract infection, Crohn's disease, gastritis, intestinal infection, and ovary problems. Doctors usually order: 

• Abdominal examination  
• Urine test 
• Rectal exam
• Blood test 
• CT scan and/or ultrasound

Treatment: Appendectomy, is the standard treatment for almost all cases of appendicitis. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In case of any of the mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Avoid 

eating, drinking, or using any pain remedies, antacids, laxatives, or heating pads, which can cause an inflamed appendix to rupture.