Appendicitis is an illness that is caused by the blockage and inflammation of the appendix, a small organ that is connected to the first part of the large intestine. This causes difficulties in the blood flow in the area. Thus, as the pressure increases, this causes an inflammatory response that affects your health. While the exact function of this organ is unknown, this condition can be fatal if it is not treated in time. This is because the bag can explode, thus quickly spreading the infection to other parts of the digestive system. For this reason, it’s essential to know the signs, given that medical intervention is vital to avoid complications. Bearing in mind that some people do not know about them, we want to dedicate this blog to the 7 symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore. Don’t ignore them!
Symptoms Of Appendicitis You Shouldn’t Ignore
Appetite loss
Even if the person usually eats well, they may suddenly lose their appetite. The inflammation of this organ interferes with digestive functions. In many cases, it inhibits the production of hunger hormones. This should be attended to immediately, because not eating well can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
However, it’s important to analyze this symptom together with other signs. After all, it also shows up with other illnesses.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can have many causes, ranging from weight gain to major issues such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots, asthma and lung infections. Anyone can experience dyspnea occasionally, But if it is severe, sudden and significantly limits your activities, you should be evaluated immediately to rule out the more serious cause.
Mild fever
Appendicitis usually causes a fever between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.5°F (38°C). You may also have the chills. If your appendix bursts, the resulting infection could cause your fever to rise. A fever greater than 101°F (38.3°) and an increase in heart rate may mean that the appendix has ruptured.
Belly-button pain
Appendicitis pain often occurs in the lower-right side of the abdomen. The first sign, however, is typically discomfort near the belly button, which then moves to the lower abdomen. Some people, including children and pregnant women, may experience pain in different areas of their abdomen or on their side. The pain also will get worse if you move your legs or abdomen; cough or sneeze; or are jarred—during a bumpy car ride, for instance.
You're nauseous
You might just be battling a stomach bug, and not everyone with appendicitis will have these symptoms. But if you're feeling really queasy in addition to having bad pain, get checked out. Inflammation of the appendix sometimes impacts other aspects of the GI tract and the nervous system and leads to nausea and vomiting.
Shivering
Patients suffering from appendicitis often experience intense bouts of shivering, and “feeling cold” along with the fever that is an obvious symptom of the disease. The shivering that one experiences are the muscles undergoing contractions in rapid succession as a means to healing the body. In appendicitis, as with most infections, the fever is an indication of the body fighting the infection.
Gas retention
It’s very likely that you can’t expel gases, a situation made worse by constipation. However, it’s very important to be alert because this could be a symptom of a bowel obstruction.
Severe or persistent diarrhea
While these symptoms may simply be the result of a severe case of gastroenteritis (an inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract), they could also indicate appendicitis, meningitis or food poisoning. Often gastroenteritis is viral and resolves on its own. However, if you have bloody diarrhea or fever, you may have a bacterial infection and need antibiotics. And if your symptoms are unrelenting and you can't keep any foods or fluids down, you run the risk of dehydration and may need intravenous fluid.
