Appendicitis Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Within the first 24 hours of developing appendicitis, there is less risk of a rupture, but chances increase greatly after 48 hours.

For this reason, it’s important to recognize signs and symptoms of appendicitis and get emergency treatment as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

Symptoms vary from person to person, so it’s important to recognize symptoms of appendicitis in adults, children, and pregnant women.

Adults, Children, and Pregnant Women

• Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal swelling
• Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Inability to pass gas
• Constipation or diarrhea

If you think you may have symptoms of appendicitis, visit the closest SignatureCare Emergency Center.

Diagnosing Appendicitis

1. Physical exam
2. CBC (complete blood count)

Other tests that may be performed to rule out similar conditions:

• Urinalysis–  to rule out UTI or kidney issues
• Pelvic Exam– to rule out pelvic infections
• Pregnancy tests– to rule out ectopic pregnancy
• X-ray, ultrasound, or CT Scan– to rule out abesses
• or Chest X-ray– to rule out pneumonia

Treating Appendicitis

You’ll first have blood tests and probably a scan to check for kidney stones. An ultrasound or CT scan will help doctors see if the appendix has inflammation. If you need surgery, you will be given antibiotics beforehand that will help the body fight infection afterward

• Appendectomy
• Laparoscopy

Can Appendicitis Be Prevented?

You can reduce your risk of developing appendicitis, but there is no way of completely preventing it. It’s thought that a diet high in fiber is a key element in risk reduction so increasing high fiber food intake would help:

High fiber foods include:

• Black beans
• Barley
• Oatmeal
• Whole wheat pasta
• Green peas
• Split peas
• Lentils
• Lima beans
• Artichokes

High fiber foods help because they keep the digestive system working well, managing constipation which can lead to a buildup of fecal matter, one of the main causes of blockage in the appendix.

If you experience appendicitis symptoms, always seek medical advice. It’s a dangerous condition, but easily and successfully cured once identified.