It's possible that you have appendicitis if you're experiencing inflammation near your lower abdomen.People between the ages of 10 and 30 are the most likely to have this condition.If you are diagnosed with appendicitis, you will most likely need to have your appendix removed.It's important to know how to recognize the signs of a medical emergency so you can get help as soon as possible.
Step 1: There are a number of symptoms of appendicitis.
A dull abdominal pain near the belly button is the most common symptom.Other symptoms aren't as common.It might be time to go to the hospital if you find yourself checking off several of them.You should get in touch with your doctor or the hospital if you have any of these symptoms.You will endanger your life if you delay the process.Symptoms may last up to a week becoming more severe as time goes on, but you'll usually notice them within 12 to 18 hours.If your temperature is over 103F (40C), you should go to a hospital immediately.You should go to the hospital as soon as possible if you are experiencing other symptoms.A low grade fever of 99F is a symptom.Many of the symptoms are similar to viral gastroenteritis.The pain is general and not specific.
Step 2: There are less common symptoms of appendicitis.
You may also experience symptoms that are not associated with appendicitis.Painful urination, dull or dull pain in the rectum, back, or upper or lower abdomen are some of the less common symptoms.
Step 3: Pay attention to the pain in the abdominal area.
One third of the way between your belly button and hip bone is where your appendix can be located in most adults.This location may be different for a pregnant woman.There is a "path" of pain.After you start experiencing symptoms, the pain may move from your belly button to your appendix.If you've seen a progression like this, you should go to the emergency room.Within 48 hours, the symptoms of appendicitis may get worse.It is a medical emergency if you are diagnosed with appendicitis.
Step 4: Press on your abdomen.
You should consider going to the emergency room if it's too painful to even touch.When you press on it, you may feel a pain in your lower abdomen.The rebound may be tender.If you press on your lower right abdomen and feel a sharp pain when you quickly release it, you may have appendicitis.
Step 5: Refer to your abdomen for any firmness.
Does your finger sink when you press on your abdomen?Does your abdomen feel hard?You might be bloated if you notice the latter.If you have abdominal pain, but don't have nausea or decreased appetite, it may not be appendicitis.There are many reasons for abdominal pain that don't need to be seen by a doctor.If you have abdominal pain that lasts more than 3 days, call or see your regular doctor.
Step 6: Stand up straight and walk.
You might have appendicitis if you can't do this without pain.You can ease the pain by lying on your side and curling into a fetal position.If you cough or make movements, your pain may get worse.
Step 7: There are differences in the symptoms of pregnant women and children.
The appendix is higher in pregnant women.The pain in the abdomen is usually lower in children 2 and younger.Children with appendicitis have trouble eating and may be sleepy.They may not eat their favorite snacks.In the older child, pain starts at the belly button and moves to the right side of the body.If the child lies down, the pain won't get better.A high temperature is noted if the appendix burst.
Step 8: Don't take medications until you get treatment.
It's important that you don't make your situation worse by going to the emergency room if you have the symptoms of appendicitis.If you're waiting to be treated, don't take pain medication or take laxatives.Pain meds can make it harder for you to monitor abdominal pain and lacatives can irritate your intestines further.Don't take antacids.They can make the pain worse with appendicitis.Don't use heating pads because they can cause an appendix to burst.Don't eat or drink until you've been examined, because this can make you a higher risk for aspiration during surgery.
Step 9: Get to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Pick up the phone and go to the doctor later in the week if you think you have appendicitis.You should go to the hospital as soon as possible.If the appendix burst without treatment, it could be life threatening.Fresh pajamas and a toothbrush are things you should pack overnight.You will be staying overnight if you have appendicitis.
Step 10: Inform the emergency room of your symptoms.
You should tell the nurse that you suspect appendicitis.You will be ranked on a list of patients who need the most care.If someone comes into the ER with a head injury, you might have to wait a bit.If you have to wait, don't panic.You're a lot safer in the hospital than you are at home.They will be able to get you into surgery quickly even if your appendix burst in the waiting room.Take your mind off the pain by being patient.
Step 11: You should know what to expect in the exam.
You need to describe your symptoms again when you see a doctor.Try to tell the doctor when you first notice the pain in the GI tract.You will be examined by the doctor for signs of appendicitis.Expect to be prodded.The doctor is going to press on you.The doctor is checking to see if the peritonitis is related to the burst appendix.If you have peritonitis, your abdominal muscles will spasm.A quick rectal exam could be performed by the doctor.
Step 12: Expect more tests.
It is important for the official diagnosis of appendicitis to be done in a lab.A high white blood cell count, which shows a sign of infections even before a low grade temperature is seen, is a possible test.The blood test will show if there is a problem with the electrolytes and dehydration, which can cause pain as well.A pregnant woman may be tested by the doctor to rule out the possibility of a baby.There is a chance that the urine will show a urinary tract infection or a stone.If an abdominal pain is caused by a blockage in the appendix, a sputum of the abdomen will show it.The safest form of radiation is the ultrasound.An x-ray is used to do a more detailed picture of the internal organs.Expect the machine to be very small.There is a tight space.A light sedation can be ordered to help ease the anxiety.The same signs will be shown, but a little closer to a look.An x-ray will be used to show images.You will get a solution to drink.You can lie on a table if you don't vomit the solution.It is a quick and painless procedure.The same signs of inflammation, bursting, or blockage of the appendix can be seen in this test.
Step 13: Get an operation.
Your doctor can determine if you have appendicitis.An appendix removal is the only cure for appendicitis.Laparoscopic surgery leaves less of a scar and is preferred by most surgeons.If your doctor doesn't think you need surgery, he may send you home for a period of time.Antibiotics, pain medicine, and laxatives should not be taken during that time.If you get worse, you should contact your provider.Don't wait for your symptoms to go away.You may need to take a urine sample.You need to not eat or drink in advance if you are going to have surgery.
Step 14: Continue your recovery.
You should be able to return to normal life after a minimally-invasive appendectomy.It's still surgery, so take care of yourself.If you want to get back in shape after surgery, you should ease back into eating solid foods.Wait 24 hours before drinking or eating because you just had surgery.When you're allowed to have small amounts of liquids, then solid foods, your doctor or nurse will tell you.You will be able to establish a regular diet.Don't try to exert yourself on the first day.Take this excuse to rest and recover.Since your body will begin healing through movement, try to engage in light activity over the next few days.If you notice a problem, call your doctor.You should call your doctor's office if you have pain, vomiting, dizziness, feelings of faintness, bloody urine or stools, or drainage around the incision site.It's a good idea to call your doctor if you have any symptoms after you've removed your appendix.