Appendicitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Appendicitis
is inflammation of your appendix. The appendix is a small pouch. It is attached to the large intestine on the lower right side of the abdomen. The appendix may get blocked by food or by part of a bowel movement that becomes hard. The appendix can become infected with bacteria or a virus. Appendicitis can also be caused by a parasite or tumor. You will need immediate care to prevent a ruptured appendix. A ruptured appendix can cause bacteria to leak into the abdomen. This can lead to a serious infection called peritonitis.
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Signs and symptoms of appendicitis
may start suddenly. The most common symptom is pain that starts at the belly button and moves to the lower right side of your abdomen. The pain worsens when you touch your abdomen, move, sneeze, cough, or take a deep breath. You may also have any of the following:
- Abdomen that feels hard
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe pain in your abdomen.
- You are vomiting and cannot keep food down.
- You have abdominal pain that gets worse or does not go away, even after you take medicine.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You have trouble having a bowel movement, or you have diarrhea.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may include any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to fight an infection or to manage pain.
- Drainage may be needed if you develop an abscess after a burst appendix. To drain the abscess, your healthcare provider guides a tube through your skin and into the abscess. Infected fluid drains through the tube.
- An appendectomy is surgery to remove your appendix. Your appendix may be removed through small incisions in your abdomen. If your appendix has burst, you may need an open appendectomy. A single, larger incision is made to remove the appendix and clean out the abdomen.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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