Appendicitis is a severe problem and can result in surgery or other complications if left untreated. Signs of appendicitis can be confusing as most are applicable to other health issues as well. This is why going to the doctor immediately will let you know whether or not the symptoms you’re experiencing pertain to appendicitis.
The most common signs may include blood in your stool, a lump or swelling under your skin in your abdomen, nausea or vomiting, or feeling fatigued or weak—most of which can be attributed to other illnesses as well. In addition to those mentioned, the following stomach complications may also indicate appendicitis, although not in every situation:
Abdominal Pain
Many different things cause abdominal pain. If this happens regularly, it might be appendicitis.
The pain can occur on the inside of your lower abdomen, which can be so intense that it can cause you to lose consciousness. However, keep in mind that this type of pain may also be caused by problems with your gallbladder, which is the organ that secretes bile. This problem can happen when the bile flow becomes blocked.
Abdominal pain or discomfort that lasts more than a couple of days and affects one or more of your abdominal organs could be a sign of appendicitis. This condition can occur in either one or both the intestines. If you have appendicitis, you will notice that the symptoms don't improve after a few days, and you may find that the pain becomes worse.
It's also important to remember that this condition is not easy to diagnose as there are many false positives associated with it. Therefore, it's essential to get the results straight away when you feel discomfort. Consult with medical professionals such as UCF Health general surgeons, especially if your condition is so severe that it may require surgery. You can try to relieve your pain with pain killers but this is not a long-term solution.
Pain After A Bowel Movement
Another sign of appendicitis is pain that happens right after a bowel movement. This type of pain can be located anywhere in the digestive system. It could be in the lower stomach, the intestines, or even the lower back. If these pains include are accompanied by unusual blood in your stool, this could also be a sign.
You may try to consume foods to ease your upset stomach but proceeding to the nearest hospital is still your best bet, especially if you feel like the pain you’re experiencing is unlike other regular stomachaches.
Loose Stool
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing loose stool, such as a lack of dietary fiber or water in the body. But how do you know if it's appendicitis?
If loose stool includes abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, blood in the stool, pain when defecating, and fever, then these may be a sign of appendicitis. Other symptoms that you should be concerned about include pain or burning while passing the stool. This could be indicative that you have an infection in your intestines. If fever accompanies this type of pain, then you may be suffering from appendicitis.
If you’re unsure about what's causing these symptoms, you should try to keep a bowel movement diary that a doctor can check. If you have any abnormal bowel movements, your general physician may prescribe some medication to help you. However, if you think you may have appendicitis, taking a sample of your stool for laboratory testing is the next step.
Loss Of Appetite
Not having the interest to eat is often caused by certain hormones. But if you see yourself skipping meals almost every day as you don’t have the appetite for it, be wary. Loss of appetite is another complication that can be caused by appendicitis. When left untreated, loss of appetite can worsen as it’ll result in nausea and vomiting, making it more challenging for you to eat.
Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal bloating can be caused by constipation, weight gain, stress, and more. But do you know that you can also experience abdominal bloating because of appendicitis?
When your appendix becomes obstructed, it can cause infection and inflammation that can result in bloating. So, if you’ve been living the same lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight but still notice that you’re always bloated, consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis right away.
Conclusion
There are several factors that indicate you have appendicitis, but those discussed above are the most common. If you often experience these symptoms, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. That way, you can prevent your condition from getting worse. If you know what to be wary of, you can avoid endangering yourself.
