How do you know if you have appendicitis?

Dr.Nikhil Yadav, 2 mins read

How do you know if you have appendicitis?
Are you experiencing sudden, severe pain in the abdomen? Does this pain often start from the naval and radiate to the lower right side? If that is the case, you might have appendicitis.

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch of intestinal tissues attached to the junction of small and large intestines.

It is a vestigial organ. This means its primary function was helpful in human ancestors but not in today’s generation. This is due to the evolution of the digestive system. So, even if this organ is removed, it will not affect the function of the digestive system.

Though anyone can develop this problem, people between the ages of 10 and 30 are more vulnerable.

But how to know that you have appendicitis?

Here are the common symptoms of appendicitis you should look for.

• Abdominal pain: People usually experience sudden and severe pain in the abdomen. This pain usually starts around the belly button and then moves to the lower right side. The pain may worsen while coughing, movement or sneezing.
• Nausea and vomiting: These two are other common symptoms of appendicitis along with pain. They get more noticeable when the condition progresses. This can be due to the irritation and inflammation of the appendix that can affect the digestive system.
• Loss of appetite: The pain and discomfort in the abdomen can make it difficult to eat and even reduce the desire for food.
• Fever and chills: Complaints of a low-grade fever or even a high fever in some cases are also reported. This can also be accompanied by chills.
• Abdominal tenderness: The feeling of tenderness or pain may also be experienced when the doctor presses the lower right side of the abdomen.
• Diarrhoea or constipation: People with appendicitis may also report changes in their bowel habits like diarrhoea or constipation. This may be due to the inflammation that affects the intestines.

So, if you are having these symptoms, you should consult a doctor to know whether this is because of appendicitis. So, you can get the treatment at earlier stages and get relief from the debilitating pain.