Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an infection and inflammation of the appendix, a small sac shaped like a finger that is attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis is one of the causes of serious belly pain. Without treatment, the appendix may burst and cause infection throughout the belly. This can be very serious.

Symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Pain near the belly button that moves to the lower right side of the belly. The pain may get worse if you move, walk, or cough.
• Fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Sometimes the only symptom is that you feel sick and you have belly pain that's hard to describe.

Severe belly pain needs medical care right away. Moderate belly pain that doesn't go away after 4 hours should prompt a call to your doctor. If you think you could have appendicitis, you need to see a doctor.

Appendicitis can be hard to diagnose. Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about what symptoms you have, when they started, and what was happening before the pain began. You also may have blood and urine tests to look for signs of infection. In some cases, you may need a CT scan or an ultrasound of your belly.

Even though tests can't always show for certain that you have appendicitis, your symptoms may lead your doctor to strongly suspect that you have it.

Appendicitis is usually treated with surgery to remove the appendix. Some cases can be treated with antibiotics. In those cases, there's still a chance that the appendix will need to be removed later.

If you need surgery, your doctor may make a cut (incision) in your belly. Or the doctor may use a tool called a laparoscope to remove your appendix through a few small cuts.

If you aren't treated in time, your appendix can burst. This can cause serious problems. It's best to take out the appendix before it bursts.

If your appendix does burst, surgery may be harder to do. You may also need other treatment.

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Talk to your doctor if you're having trouble with bowel movements. Ask your doctor before taking any over-the-counter laxatives.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Limit physical activities for now. You can keep doing your daily self-care tasks.
• Your doctor may tell you what you can eat and drink.