Appendicitis Explained: How It Starts, Common Symptoms And Why Delay Can Be Dangerous

Appendicitis Explained: How It Starts, Common Symptoms And Why Delay Can Be Dangerous One of the key warning signs of appendicitis is pain. In most cases, the pain begins around the navel and gradually shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine, located on the lower right side of the abdomen. For years, it was considered a “vestigial" organ with no clear function, but doctors now believe it may play a minor role in supporting gut immunity. Despite its size, problems involving the appendix can quickly turn serious if ignored. Recommended Stories When the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, the condition is known as appendicitis - a common medical emergency that often requires surgery. According to Dr Raj Kumar, a general surgeon at the Government Hospital in Wanaparthy in Telangana, appendicitis typically begins with vague abdominal discomfort that worsens rapidly. How Appendicitis Pain Usually Starts One of the key warning signs of appendicitis is pain. In most cases, the pain begins around the navel and gradually shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen. As inflammation increases, the pain becomes sharper and more intense. “Many patients mistake early symptoms for gas or stomach upset, which delays treatment," Dr Raj Kumar explains. As the condition progresses, even simple movements like walking, coughing, or lying on one side can worsen the pain. By this stage, medical attention becomes urgent. What Causes Appendicitis? Appendicitis usually develops when the appendix gets blocked. This blockage may be caused by hardened stool, swollen lymph nodes, intestinal infections, or, in rare cases, tumours. Gastrointestinal infections can trigger swelling of lymph tissue near the appendix, leading to inflammation. Certain bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, may also increase the risk. In extremely rare situations, trauma to the abdomen can result in appendicitis. Once blocked, bacteria multiply inside the appendix, causing swelling, infection, and pressure that can eventually lead to rupture if untreated. Symptoms You Should Not Ignore Symptoms of appendicitis can vary from person to person, but some warning signs are common. Persistent abdominal pain that shifts to the lower right side is the most telling sign. This is often accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. Fever and chills may develop as the body responds to infection. Some patients also experience constipation or diarrhoea, making it harder to distinguish appendicitis from routine digestive issues. Doctors warn that if abdominal pain continues to worsen or is accompanied by fever and vomiting, immediate medical evaluation is essential. How Doctors Diagnose Appendicitis Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination, where doctors check for tenderness, stiffness, and pain in the abdomen. Blood tests are used to look for signs of infection, such as a raised white blood cell count. Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans help confirm inflammation of the appendix and rule out other conditions, including urinary tract infections or kidney stones, which can mimic similar symptoms. Treatment And Why Timing Matters The standard...

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