Appendicitis Pain

The small finger-like protrusion from the first part of the colon is called appendix. It is a rudimentary organ and all humans can live normally without it. Medically termed appendicitis, the condition is basically refers to the inflammation of appendix. It is a very uncomfortable and painful condition. There can be several factors that result in appendicitis, and hence appendicitis pain. First of all, it can occur due to blockage of the inside of the appendix called lumen. It causes increased pressure and spoiled blood flow. If not treated on time, it may lead to gangrene or tearing of the appendix. Secondly, feces may block the inside of the appendix. The accumulated feces favor bacterial growth that further causes inflammation. Thirdly, genetic predisposition may be a possible cause of appendicitis in those who have a family history of it. Lastly, injury to the abdomen may lead to appendicitis in some cases.

Appendicitis Pain: Overview

The original appendicitis pain location is the navel area. It starts here and progresses to the lower right part of the abdomen. This region near the appendix is called the McBurney point. It is worth mentioning here that the appendicitis pain occurs on the McBurney point and not exactly on the appendix. The pain may also be felt in other parts of the abdomen and in the back. Therefore, pain in back and pain in left side are also not uncommon.The intensity of the pain is usually very sharp. The pain gets worse when the inflammation affects the tissue surrounding the appendix. The pain intensifies and becomes worse on taking deep breaths, sneezing, moving, walking and coughing. Many people frequently experience tenesmus and the feeling that a bowel movement will relieve the pain.

The exact feeling of appendicitis pain is quite difficult to describe. Actually, description varies from person to person. Many people who don't have many past experiences of abdominal pain, may compare it to severe discomfort due to gas. Description of appendicitis pain in children is somewhat like abdominal cramps. Appendicitis in children is quite common. It mostly affects children and young adults in the age group of 11 to 20 years of age. Appendicitis pain may be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea and abdominal swelling. There can be some patients who suffer from constipation, diarrhea and difficulty in passing gas.

Appendicitis Pain: Relief

The underlying cause of the appendicitis pain does not get addressed with over-the-counter medications. This is why, it is difficult to reduce the pain with non-prescription pain killers. The only effective way of getting pain relief is surgical removal of inflamed appendix. Surgery treats the condition to a great extent. However, a large number of patients feel appendicitis pain after surgery. This is because the tissues around the appendix are still inflamed. Such a condition is treated with the help of antibiotics.

• While undergoing pain due to appendicitis, you should resort to fasting and consume nothing except water. Lie down on your back. This will take some pressure off the inflamed appendix and will relieve the pain to some extent.
• Eat a tablespoon of green gram twice a day. This will help in bringing down the pain.
• In case of chronic appendicitis pain, buttermilk will prove to be of great help in easing the discomfort. Try to have three glasses of buttermilk daily for getting appendicitis pain relief.
• Cucumber, beet and tomato are some vegetables that can provide you some comfort from pain. Mix cucumber, beet and tomato juices in the ratio of 1:1:3. Have a glass of it twice a day for fast recovery.
• Add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of filtered water. Boil it for a half hour. Have it once every day for fast recovery from appendicitis pain.
• Eat half a teaspoon each of raw or powdered ginger and garlic once every day. It will not only reduce the pain but also the swelling of the inflamed appendix.
• To prevent indigestion during appendicitis, take a tablespoon of mixture of honey and lemon juice in equal amounts everyday.

All of these suggested home remedies are sure to ease your condition. However, you should not forget that appendicitis pain is a state that needs emergency medical attention. If not treated on time, an infected and inflamed appendix will burst, puncture or spill the infectious matter into the abdominal cavity. This can, in turn, cause life-threatening inflammation of peritoneum or the abdominal cavity's lining, called peritonitis.