Have you or a loved one ever had to deal with appendicitis? If so, you’ll know that this potentially life-threatening condition is incredibly painful and shouldn’t be ignored. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some common questions about appendicitis: what are the most common causes of appendicitis, what can be mistaken for appendicitis, and what does appendicitis feel like at the beginning?
First, What Is Appendicitis?
The term appendicitis simply refers to “inflammation of the appendix.” The appendix is that little finger-looking organ that sticks out of the connection between our small and large intestines. This organ has no known use, and it’s prone to blockages. When the appendix gets blocked, it becomes inflamed and can swell with mucus, pus, and fecal matter. There are three stages of appendicitis:
- Uncomplicated
- Complicated
- Ruptured or Perforated
Appendicitis Symptoms
Depending on how progressed your appendicitis is, your symptoms may range from mild or nonexistent to severe and life-threatening. But, what does appendicitis feel like at the beginning? Mostly, it will feel like a dull ache in your abdomen that might radiate elsewhere in the body. Over time, this pain will become more localized.
The main concern with appendicitis is that, left untreated, the appendix can rupture and cause peritonitis – this can be fatal. Appendicitis usually presents with intense, acute pain in the lower right-hand side of your abdomen that only increases in intensity over time. Eventually, if the appendix ruptures, you may feel better initially, but then you will become very ill – fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and more.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Appendicitis?
#1: Viral Infection
Viruses that affect the small and large intestines can reproduce anywhere. When viruses reproduce, they take over our body’s cells and rupture them. If this infection is near the appendix, a blockage can occur that will cause appendicitis.
#2: Family History
While it’s not clear how this happens, there appears to be a high percentage of patients with appendicitis who also have a family history of appendicitis.
#3: Obstruction
Obstructions can be caused by fecal matter itself, a foreign body, and even parasites like roundworms or threadworms.
#4: Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections can also cause blockages in the appendix. Common culprits are E. coli, Enterococci, Streptococci, and Clostridium.
What Can Be Mistaken for Appendicitis?
There aren’t many other organs in the lower right-hand quadrant of the abdomen, especially for men. Women, on the other hand, can experience pain from ovulation in this area. Some women can develop cysts on their ovaries which can cause intense pain in the lower right of the abdomen, and, while rare, sometimes these cysts can cause torsions. Aside from this, the only other conditions that might be confused for appendicitis are:
- Diverticulitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Gall bladder issues
- Inflammatory liver disease
How Is Appendicitis Treated?
Some doctors will relieve the pressure and blockage from the appendix – especially if a recurrence is unlikely to happen. More often, though, surgeons will completely remove (appendectomy) the appendix, since it is an unnecessary organ.
Do You Suspect Appendicitis? Suncoast Surgical Associates Can Help
Here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, our highly-skilled surgeons deal with appendicitis on a regular basis. If you suspect that you might have early-stage appendicitis, get evaluated right away (whether it’s with us or urgent care). If you’ve already progressed to possible internal rupture and infection, emergency care is critical. However, if you are worried about your symptoms and would like to rule out appendicitis, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral from your doctor or contact our office.