The appendix is located on the right side of the body, close to the intestine, and has a shape similar to the finger of a glove, which means that there is an entrance door, which itself is the exit door. Any organic alteration that obstructs this passage causes the appendix to ignite. The presence of feces inside, direct trauma and the genetic factor are the most frequent causes of appendicitis. Learn how to identify appendicitis.
The most characteristic symptom of appendicitis is pain in the right side of the abdomen, which can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever, for example. It is important that in the first symptoms of appendicitis, medical help is sought so that the treatment is done in order to avoid complications. Know the symptoms of appendicitis
Pain site
Appendicitis pain is characterized by being strong and constant and happening on the right side of the abdomen and below. Initially, the pain is concentrated in the central region of the abdomen, which can be described as diffuse pain around the navel, for example, but after a few hours, the pain is now perceived in a more defined place.
Although pain on the right side and below is characteristic of appendicitis, this pain can also happen in other situations, such as Crohn's disease, inflammation of the intestine, cyst in the right ovary and inguinal hernia. Check out other causes of pain on the right side of the abdomen.
Pain in the left side underneath
Pain on the left side of the abdomen and below is rare in appendicitis, however this pain may indicate pancreatitis, inflammation of the intestine, excess gas, inguinal hernia or cyst in the left ovary, in the case of women. Know the most common causes of back and abdomen pain.
What to do
When the pain on the right side and in the lower abdomen is constant and accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, loss of appetite and nausea, for example, it is important to go to the doctor to make the diagnosis and determine the treatment.
The diagnosis of appendicitis is made by means of a clinical examination, in which the doctor assesses the symptoms described by the patient and palpates the abdomen, in addition to laboratory and imaging tests, such as abdomen ultrasound, which allows the appendix and signs to be seen inflammation.
If there is confirmation of the diagnosis of appendicitis, the treatment option is surgical removal, called appendectomy, which should be done preferably within the first 24 hours after diagnosis. Find out how surgery for appendicitis is done and how recovery is.
