Authored by Rodney Southern in Diseases
Published on 04-07-2009

Appendicitis is one of the more curious problems that we can encounter where our bodies are concerned. Certainly, appendicitis is serious medical emergency, and has to be treated right away, but it is interested that the function of the appendix is not something that we must have to live. Nobody knows for sure why we have an appendix, or what the true function is. What we do know is that appendicitis, which is an inflammation of the appendix, can be very dangerous and even life threatening.

Your appendix is a three inch tube of tissue that is connected to the large intestine, and when you have appendicitis this tissue swells, or perforates when left untreated. This can cause leakage of dangerous infection and nastiness into your abdominal cavity. This is a serious problem as it often develops into peritonitis, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity. This potentially deadly problem must be treated immediately with antibiotics and monitored very closely. Removal of the appendix before it bursts is the ideal solution, as it often leaves no visible problems for the patient.

Appendicitis is most common between the ages of 10 and around 30 years of age, but it can happen to anybody at any age. It is a relatively common problem, and occurs most often when the appendix gets blocked by something. Many things cause appendicitis and this blockage, such as cancer, or some foreign body. Infection too can cause appendicitis because the begins to swell when we are sick.

Appendicitis symptoms often begin as a dull, unspecific pain in the stomach towards the upper abdomen that seems to eventually travel to the lower abdomen. This pain usually focuses on the right side. This is often followed by and number of generalized symptoms such as not wanting to eat, nausea, and a fever. Some more specific appendicitis symptoms can include swelling in the abdomen, and difficulty using the bathroom and passing gas.

Less common appendicitis symptoms include generalized pain that can be anywhere in the torso, painful urination, cramps, and gastric symptoms.

If you suspect that you may have appendicitis, or you are experiencing these types of symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Do not attempt to self medicate these appendicitis symptoms as many medicines can cause the appendix to rupture. Early, quick diagnosis and treatment is absolutely vital with appendicitis. With the treatment options now available, appendicitis is often dealt with quite efficiently.