Appendix Pain Symptoms

A swelling and infection of the appendix, appendicitis can be very painful. To know more about appendix pain symptoms, especially appendix pain symptoms in children, read on.
Appendix Pain Symptoms
The appendix is a closed-ended, narrow tube attached to the cecum, and located near the junction or joint of the small intestine and the large intestine. The inside of the appendix is called the appendiceal lumen through which the mucus created by the inner lining of the appendix travels and empties into the large intestine. Although, appendix plays no important role in the human body, pain or rupture, especially of an untreated appendix can spread infection throughout the body, and may even cause death. Before going over the list of appendix pain symptoms, let us understand its causes.

Appendix Pain Causes
What causes appendicitis? The common answer to this query is obstruction of the appendiceal lumen or blockage of the cecum. This happens when the mucus or stool hardens and blocks the opening. Another reason may be infection inflicted gastrointestinal tract, that causes the lymph tissue to inflame and enlarge. Some specialist cite inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, or trauma to the abdomen, as a cause for appendix pain.

Symptoms of Appendix Pain
Appendix pain symptoms are classic in nature. Doctors find it easy to identify the problem and recommended tests to check for its gravity and severity. Pain in the abdomen is the most exhibited symptom. However, there are ways and particular locations that the pain might occur in different people. Pain can occur suddenly, starting usually from the center of the abdomen and traveling either to the left or the right side. For those who have experienced appendix pain on the left side or the right side say, its extremely painful and just seems to get worse every passing minute. Pain increases every time the person moves around, or even coughs or sneezes.

Other symptoms associated with appendix pain are low grade fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, swelling in abdomen, sometimes all over the abdomen, at times either on the left or the right side, lots discomfort while passing stools, and in some instances could lead to inflammatory bowel, pelvic inflammatory disease and other gynecological disorders. Read more on: Appendix Pain Symptoms in Children
Although, not a regular health problem in children, an inflammation of the appendix can occur. Most appendix pain symptoms are alike in adults as well as children. However, children tend to have a high grade fever. What causes appendix pain in children has always been a little contested. Some medical practitioners believe that sedentary lifestyles and bad eating habits contribute, while some don't. Read more on appendicitis in children.

Whether the appendicitis is in children or adults, it should be treated immediately before it causes pain, ruptures or burst and proves to be fatal. Doctors recommend an array of test to determine the severity of appendix; laboratory tests, imaging tests and physical examination. At the slightest hint of an infection, doctors recommend surgery for appendix removal. Appendectomy is the surgery done for the removal of an infected appendix. There are a number of nonsurgical treatments available for appendix pain relief like antibiotics to treat infection and a liquid diet until the infection reduces. Read more on: Appendicitis pain is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical attention, treatment and care. If one experiences any of the above appendix pain symptoms, consult the doctor and get yourself treated. Any delay on your part could result in bad consequences.

By Loveleena Rajeev
Published: 10/8/2009
 
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