Appendicitis Symptoms in Adults

Appendicitis is basically an inflammation of the appendix, which is present in the right side of the abdominal cavity. This finger shaped organ is attached to the colon of the large intestine and has no known specific function, as yet. But the inflammation of appendix or the blockage in the appendix can cause severe health problems. This inflammation is caused due to blockage caused due to food or fecal particles in the appendix, which is further affected by bacteria and leads to infection.

If the pus filled appendix bursts, then it can cause infection to other organs of the body. Hence, this blockage or inflammation needs an immediate treatment to avoid further complications. One of the major symptoms of appendicitis is severe abdominal pain. But, since there are many other causes that lead to pain and discomfort in the abdominal area, it is necessary to know other important symptoms of appendicitis. Now, let us take a look at what are the symptoms in adults.

Symptoms of Appendicitis in Adults

Pain in the lower abdomen, nausea and vomiting are some of the early symptoms in adults. These symptoms are quite vague and not everyone who suffers from appendicitis may experience them. The abdominal pain caused due to appendicitis, starts from the navel region and progresses towards the right side of the lower abdomen. This appendicitis pain usually becomes sharper and may sustain for several hours. Further, the affected abdominal region becomes tender and touching or applying pressure on that region worsens the pain. This pain may also worsen upon coughing, sneezing, walking or any other moving activity.

The severity and location of the pain varies with different age groups and health conditions. But, most of the appendicitis patients experience pain in the lower right abdomen. Loss of appetite is one more noticeable symptom of appendicitis. Other symptoms of appendicitis include, nausea and vomiting. Vomiting caused due to appendicitis is accompanied by severe abdominal pain. Fever is a very rare symptom of appendicitis and it is observed that one out of five appendicitis patients suffers from fever. Constipation, abdominal swelling and inability to pass gas, are some more important appendicitis symptoms. These were some of the common symptoms of appendicitis, which is also referred as acute appendicitis.

One of the rarest form of appendicitis is, chronic appendicitis or grumbling appendicitis. Chronic appendicitis is a result of inflamed appendix, but not infected appendix. The chronic symptoms in adults are quite similar to the normal symptoms of appendicitis, except nausea and vomiting. The main difference between these two is the nature of pain. Diagnosing chronic appendicitis is quite difficult to diagnose, due to less significant and less intense symptoms. Recurrent abdominal pain is the only noticeable symptom of chronic appendicitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Whatever may be the type of appendicitis, diagnosing the problem is necessary for providing timely treatment to the patient. But, diagnosing appendicitis without proper laboratory tests is quite difficult. This is because, there are many other health ailments that resemble the symptoms of appendicitis. These include, Meckel's diverticulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, right-sided diverticulitis, etc. Urinalysis, WBC count, abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, laparoscopy, CT scan, etc., are some of the diagnostic tests that can help to detect appendicitis. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, the treatment is provided depending upon the intensity of infection. In most cases, treatment of appendicitis involves appendicitis surgery called appendectomy, where the inflamed appendix is removed.

So, if you observe any of these symptoms, ensure that you make an immediate appointment with your physician and get diagnosed the exact problem. I hope this information on appendicitis symptoms in adults will prove helpful to you.