What is appendicitis?
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. The inflamed appendix becomes infected with bacteria (germs) from the intestine. The inflamed appendix gradually swells and fills with pus. Eventually, if not treated, the swollen appendix might perforate (burst). This is very serious as the contents of the intestine then spill into the abdominal cavity. This can cause a serious infection of the membrane that lines the abdomen (peritonitis), or an abscess in the abdomen. So, if appendicitis is suspected, early treatment is best before it bursts.
Who gets appendicitis?
Appendicitis is common and can affect anyone of any age. Teenagers and young adults are the most commonly affected. About 6 in 100 people in the UK have appendicitis sometime in their life. It is much more common in western countries. This is thought to be partly due to the western diet which is often low in fibre.
What causes appendicitis?
The reason why the appendix becomes inflamed in the first place is not known in most cases. Some cases are thought to be due to a blockage that occurs somewhere along the short appendix. This may be due to some hard faeces (sometimes called motions, stools or poo) that gets stuck. Bacteria may then thrive and cause inflammation behind the blockage in the 'dead end' of the appendix.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Pain in the abdomen (tummy pain) is usually the main symptom. Commonly, the pain starts in the middle of the abdomen. The pain normally develops quickly, over an hour or so. Over the next few hours the pain typically 'travels' to the lower right hand side of the abdomen. This is over where the appendix normally lies. Typically the pain becomes worse and worse over 6-24 hours. The pain may become severe. The pain tends to be more sharp if you cough or make any jarring movements. The pain may ease a bit if you pull your knees up towards your chest. The lower abdomen is usually tender, particularly in the lower right hand side. Other symptoms that may occur include the following.
- Feeling sick and being off food is typical. You may vomit.
- Fever and generally feeling unwell.
- Constipation may occur. Sometimes diarrhoea.
- Frequent passing of urine may develop. This is thought to be due to the inflammation 'irritating' the nearby ureter (the tube between the kidney and bladder).
If the appendix perforates (bursts) then severe pain can spread to all the abdomen. You also become very ill. In some cases, the symptoms are not so typical. For example, in some cases the pain may develop more slowly and run a more 'smouldering' course. The pain may also start in the lower right hand side of the abdomen. Also, the pain may not become severe until the appendix perforates. The site of the pain may not be typical if the appendix lies in an unusual place.
