Ruptured Appendix Symptoms

Appendicitis is a condition that affects the vermiform appendix, which is a small, finger-shaped blind-ended tube, which projects out of the cecum (a part of the colon which forms the junction between the small intestine and the large intestine). It is located at the lower right side of the abdomen and has an average length of around ten centimeters and a diameter of seven to eight millimeters. It is believed that this organ does not have any function in the human body. However, an infection of the appendix results in inflammation of the organ, which can result in complications, if left untreated. Chronic appendicitis may lead to rupture of the vermiform appendix, which can cause serious health problems and may even cause death. Scroll down for more details about ruptured appendix symptoms.

Appendicitis

As mentioned above, appendicitis is the term used to denote an infection of the appendix, which causes inflammation of the organ. Even though, anybody can get affected by appendicitis, it has been observed most of the affected persons are in the age group of ten to thirty. The exact cause for appendicitis is still not clear. It has been contended that food waste or pieces of stool, get trapped in the cavity inside the vermiform appendix and causes appendicitis. This condition may also develop as an aftermath of any infection, especially, gastrointestinal infection. Whatever may be the cause, bacteria grow inside the appendix in a rapid manner and the organ is inflamed and filled with pus. The most common symptom of appendicitis is severe abdominal pain, that starts around the navel and radiates to the lower right side of the abdomen. It may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, low-grade fever, and loss of appetite. This condition warrants immediate medical attention to prevent rupture of the appendix, which is a life-threatening condition. While chronic appendicitis requires appendicitis surgery (appendectomy) to remove the organ, very mild cases are treated with antibiotics only. The latter category may opt for surgery at a later stage.

Rupture of Appendix

Chronic appendicitis is a life-threatening condition, as the inflamed organ may rupture anytime. One of the major reasons for the rupture of the appendix is the delay in diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Usually, the rupture may happen after 36 hours of the onset of symptoms, but the chances are higher after 48 hours. So, surgery is indispensable and should be performed without any unnecessary delay. However, appendectomy can be complicated after the rupture of the appendix, as compared to the surgery which is performed to remove an inflamed appendix which is intact. The following are some of the appendix rupture symptoms. You may read more about appendectomy recovery time.

Symptoms of Appendix Rupture

Any delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to the rupture of the appendix, which spills the contents, like pus, to the surroundings, and spreads to the abdominal cavity. This results in the infection of the lining of abdominal cavity and this condition is called peritonitis. This is a medical emergency and if left untreated, the patient may slip into shock and eventual death. The following are some of the ruptured appendix symptoms.

• The person with appendicitis will be having abdominal pain, especially in the right lower abdomen. As the appendix ruptures, the pain may subside briefly. But, as the surroundings get infected and inflamed, the pain resurfaces and worsens with time.
• The area becomes tender and the muscles around the inflamed organs get stiff. Even a small movement that involves the digestive system (like coughing or walking) can cause extreme pain.
• One of the symptoms of ruptured appendix is nausea, which may cause occasional vomiting. The affected person may also experience loss of appetite and mild fever.
• Ruptured appendix symptoms may include digestive problems, renal failure, shakiness or tremors, inflammation of the whole body (sepsis), electrolyte imbalances, etc.

Now, you know more about ruptured appendix symptoms. If you experience any of the above said symptoms, you have to avoid any type of movement and seek immediate medical attention. Treatment involves appendectomy, which can be a laparoscopic surgery or an open one with a larger incision. In case of ruptured appendix, open one is preferred, so that the surgeon can clean the abdominal cavity, which is infected. Appendix rupture was a condition, which resulted in death of many, till the advent of antibiotics and other modern medical technology. Now, this condition can be treated with timely diagnosis and treatment.