Appendicitis: Condition and Symptoms

If you think you have appendicitis, go to a doctor or the emergency room immediately. The condition is a medical emergency. With proper care, you will likely make a full recovery.

Condition

• Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix. Painful swelling of the appendix is part of this condition.

Causes

• Appendicitis is caused by obstruction of the appendicial lumen. This obstruction causes the appendix to swell and become infected.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain is the main symptom. Loss of appetite is another. Diarrhea or constipation can be symptoms as well as nausea and/or vomiting. A fever might accompany appendicitis.

Treatment

• Removal of the appendix is the most common treatment for appendicitis. The procedure used is called an appendectomy. A soft or liquid diet, along with antibiotics, might be used to treat appendicitis nonsurgically if surgery is not an option.

Recovery

• Recovering from appendicitis generally takes four to six weeks. Rest is important to give the body time to heal.