Where is appendicitis located in body

When you're pregnant, the pain may seem to come from your upper abdomen because your appendix is higher during pregnancy. Make an appointment with a doctor if you or your child has worrisome signs or symptoms.

Severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention. A blockage in the lining of the appendix that results in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis. The bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture. A pocket of pus that forms in the abdomen. If your appendix bursts, you may develop a pocket of infection abscess. In most cases, a surgeon drains the abscess by placing a tube through your abdominal wall into the abscess.

The tube is left in place for about two weeks, and you're given antibiotics to clear the infection. Once the infection is clear, you'll have surgery to remove the appendix. In some cases, the abscess is drained, and the appendix is removed immediately. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Treatment options include surgery. The cause of acute appendicitis is still unclear. A number of studies have indicated that obstruction of the appendix usually occurs during appendicitis, while others dispute that obstruction is the cause of appendicitis. Often, a small amount of faecal matter poo is present in the appendix at the time of the appendicectomy. There is no direct evidence that diet plays a role in causing appendicitis.

Many people treated for acute appendicitis may have had previous episodes of appendicitis that they did not seek treatment for. If pus builds up in the appendix, it will eventually burst, flooding the abdominal cavity with infected matter. Bursting, or perforation, can occur 36 hours or so from the onset of infection. The signs of a perforated appendix include a severe worsening of symptoms and collapse.

Infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity peritonitis is a life-threatening complication and requires immediate emergency treatment. Appendicitis can mimic the symptoms of other disorders such as gastroenteritis, ectopic pregnancy and various infections including those of the kidney and chest.

Diagnosis may include a thorough physical examination and careful consideration of the symptoms. If the diagnosis is not clear, then laboratory tests and ultrasound or CT scans may be needed.

Since appendicitis is potentially life threatening if left untreated, doctors will err on the side of caution and operate, even if there is no firm diagnosis. Treatment includes an operation to remove the appendix completely. This procedure is known as an appendicectomy or appendectomy. The appendix can often be removed using laparoscopic keyhole surgery. The surgeon will use a slender instrument laparoscope , which is inserted through tiny incisions cuts in the abdomen.

This eliminates the need for an abdominal incision. If this is not possible, a small incision is made in the lower abdomen. The appendix is cut away and the wound on the large intestine stitched.

If the appendix has burst, the surgeon will insert a tube and drain the abdominal cavity of pus. Appendicitis typically starts with a pain in the middle of your tummy abdomen that may come and go.

Within hours, the pain travels to your lower right-hand side, where the appendix is usually located, and becomes constant and severe. If you have abdominal pain that's gradually getting worse, contact your GP or local out-of-hours service immediately. If these options are not available, call NHS for advice. In women, symptoms similar to those of appendicitis can sometimes have a gynaecological cause, such as an ectopic pregnancy , menstrual pain or pelvic inflammatory disease PID.