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There is no known prevention of appendicitis. It usually occurs when the appendix becomes blocked by feces, a foreign object, or rarely, a tumor. Vomiting that precedes the abdominal painĪppendicitis is one of the most common causes of emergency abdominal surgery in the United States.Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or rectum.Nausea and vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins.Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen.Constipation or diarrhea with gas and cramping are also symptoms that can occur. Other symptoms may include pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back or rectum. This pain may occur 12 to 24 hours after the illness starts. It focuses right above the appendix at a place called McBurney’s point. As the swelling in the appendix increases, the pain tends to move into your right lower abdomen. There may be fever, abdominal swelling and bloating. Loss of appetite and nausea or vomiting occur soon after the pain begins. The pain may be mild at first and become sharper as it moves to the lower right abdomen. The most common symptom of appendicitis is a dull pain near or around the belly button. It can be difficult to diagnose appendicitis in young children, the elderly, and women of childbearing age. Although it can occur at any age, appendicitis is rare under age 2 and most common between ages 10 and 30.Īppendicitis is sometimes referred to as the “Great Masquerader” because the symptoms and location of pain can vary greatly. In the United States, one in 15 people will get appendicitis. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix eventually will burst, or perforate, spilling infectious materials into the abdominal cavity. Appendicitis is considered a medical emergency, prompt diagnosis and surgery for removal are very important. The function of the appendix is unknown but there are no long term consequences of removing the appendix. Appendicitis is a swelling or inflammation of the appendix and is one of the most common causes for emergency abdominal surgery.
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