What makes appendix go bad

A blockage, or obstruction, in the appendix can lead to appendicitis, which is an inflammation and infection of your appendix. The blockage may result from a buildup of mucus, parasites, or most commonly, fecal matter. This causes the appendix to become irritated and swollen, ultimately leading to appendicitis.

The appendix is in the lower right side of your abdomen. This means that it provides no vital function and that you may live a normal, healthy life without it. The purpose of the appendix is unknown. Some believe it contains tissue that helps your immune system process infections in your body. The resulting infection is called peritonitis. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Having a ruptured appendix is a life-threatening situation. Rupture rarely happens within the first 24 hours of symptoms, but the risk of rupture rises dramatically after 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine , the appendix can rupture as quickly as 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. Appendicitis usually involves a gradual onset of dull, cramping, or aching pain throughout the abdomen.

As the appendix becomes more swollen and inflamed, it will irritate the lining of the abdominal wall, known as the peritoneum. This causes localized, sharp pain in the right lower part of the abdomen. The pain tends to be more constant and severe than the dull, aching pain that occurs when symptoms start. However, some people may have an appendix that lies behind the colon.

Appendicitis that occurs in these people can cause lower back pain or pelvic pain. You may also have the chills. If your appendix bursts, the resulting infection could cause your fever to rise. Appendicitis can cause nausea and vomiting. You may also become constipated or develop severe diarrhea. This may be related to underlying appendicitis. They also may have a difficult time pinpointing the pain, and they may say that the pain is in their entire abdomen. This can make it difficult to determine that appendicitis is the cause.

Parents can easily mistake appendicitis for a stomach bug or urinary tract infection UTI. A ruptured appendix can be dangerous for anyone, but the risk of death is highest in infants and toddlers. Many appendicitis symptoms are similar to the discomforts of pregnancy.

You will be given advice about when you can resume normal physical activities and your tiny wounds will probably need to be covered up for a week or so. People who have had open surgery may need to stay in hospital for up to 7 days. There may be some pain and bruising around the incision sites for a few days, and some people have constipation after surgery.

Hospital staff will provide further information about caring for the wound and what activities to avoid. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks. Non-surgical treatment may be a possibility in some circumstances for example, if surgery is not available or the person is too unwell to undergo an operation. Non-surgical treatment consists of antibiotics to treat infection and a liquid or soft diet until the infection subsides.

However, this type of treatment is not currently considered an alternative to surgery in most cases. These people have abdominal pain that settles down on its own, only to return at a later date.

It may not be obvious that they actually have appendicitis until they have an acute episode involving severe and worsening pain. Appendicitis cannot be prevented, but it appears to be less common in people who eat foods that are high in fibre, for example, fruits and vegetables. Acute appendicitis. In: Antibiotic Guidelines revised Oct Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Pty Ltd. NHS Choices. Skip to content. Appendicitis can occur in people of any age, but it is most common in those aged 10 to 30 years.

Appendicitis symptoms Appendicitis usually begins with pain in the middle of the abdomen, around the belly button. Pressing on the painful area, moving around, coughing or sneezing can make the pain worse. Author: myDr. Bedwetting — Dr. Pinworms in Young Children — Dr.

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Cookie Settings Accept All. Manage consent. But Dr. Go to the emergency room or call your doctor right away if you notice new or worsening pain.

For pregnant women, they will experience pain in the upper right side. Left untreated, an infection can cause your appendix to burst. This can spread the infection and may cause inflammation in the lining of the abdomen. While you may think you just have stomach pains, pay attention to where the pain is in your abdomen.

If you have appendicitis, you will start feeling a dull, aching pain located in your lower right quadrant. Fortunately, appendicitis symptoms show up quickly — usually within the first 24 hours. Signs can appear anywhere from four to 48 hours after a problem occurs.

Appendicitis has similar symptoms to some other conditions.