What Is Appendicitis?
Your side may hurt so much that you called your doctor. Or maybe you went straight to the hospital emergency room. If the symptoms came on quickly, you may have appendicitis. This is an infection of the appendix. Surgery can remove the infection and relieve your symptoms. Read on to learn more.
The appendix is a hollow structure about the size of your little finger. It opens off the colon (large intestine). The purpose of the appendix is unclear. But if it becomes blocked, it may become infected.
Pain and Other Symptoms
Symptoms tend to appear quickly, often over a day or two. Symptoms can include:
Pain that starts in the center of your belly and moves to your lower right side
Increased pain and pressure on your side when you walk
Vomiting, nausea, or decreased appetite
Fever or fatigue
Either diarrhea or constipation
How Surgery Helps
Medication can’t cure appendicitis. Surgery is needed to remove an infected appendix (an appendectomy). This is a very common procedure. Removing the appendix should not affect your long-term health. It’s best to remove the appendix before it bursts. If an infected or burst appendix is not removed, it can cause severe health problems.