Are You Having an Appendicitis Attack? | Health Plus

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small tube-shaped organ attached to your colon. This causes pain that begins around the navel before it travels down to your lower right abdomen.

Although anyone can develop appendicitis, it occurs most often in people between the ages of 10 and 30. Standard treatment is surgical removal of the appendix.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• Dull pain near the navel
• Pain intensifies and moves to the lower right abdomen
• Pain is persistent and increases in intensity
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal swelling
• Inability to pass gas

Appendicitis has symptoms similar to other health conditions. So, it’s important to have a doctor determine the real cause.

What should I do if I think I have appendicitis?

Appendicitis is generally treated as a medical emergency, so if you suspect you have appendicitis, go to the A&E department immediately.

 

Infographic is reviewed by
Dr Lim Jit Fong, general surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital
Dr Othello Dave, deputy medical director at Parkway Hospitals

Infographic brought to you by Health Plus

Reference

How to Tell if That Pain Is Your Appendix. Retrieved 17 August 2018 from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-tell-if-that-pain-is-your-appendix/

Appendicitis. Retrieved 17 August 2018 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543

Appendicitis: Early Signs & Symptoms, Causes, Surgery, Recovery. Retrieved 17 August 2018 from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-appendicitis#1

Everything You Need to Know About Appendicitis. Retrieved 20 August 2018 from https://www.healthline.com/health/appendicitis