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Could your upset stomach be due to something besides those questionable takeout leftovers you ate after leaving them in the fridge for a week? While it’s easy to confuse appendicitis symptoms with other causes of gastrointestinal distress, ignoring them can have serious consequences. Learning to recognize the symptoms of appendicitis and seek help when necessary can possibly save your life. Here’s what to know.
The suffix “itis” means inflammation. Your appendix is a tiny vestigial organ that sticks out of your colon on the lower right side of your belly. Appendicitis occurs when a blockage in the lumen or intestinal lining spurs an infection and pus buildup within this organ. The worst trouble occurs if this structure bursts, spilling infection throughout your abdominal cavity.
Luckily, the word “vestigial” means you can enjoy a normal lifespan without your appendix, but you must seek rapid treatment. Appendicitis rarely goes away on its own, although the pain may ebb. A trip to your doctor is your only failsafe.
If you experience the following appendicitis symptoms, you should book a doctor’s appointment to rule out this possible cause of your stomach distress:
With the limited exception of the first clue, many of these appendicitis symptoms can also indicate other conditions, which is why seeking treatment is so critical. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order a blood test to check for infection and imaging to view the inside of your abdomen.
Multiple conditions can cause gastrointestinal distress, from something you ate to autoimmune disease. Acute infections, such as food poisoning, may simply need to run their course, although modern medicines may ease some of the worst symptoms. Other issues, such as Crohn’s disease, may require ongoing care. Your stomach distress may be due to one of the following if it isn’t appendicitis:
Anxiety can produce worrisome gastrointestinal symptoms. Scientists recently discovered that your amygdala, which plays a huge role in your brain’s stress response, alters the function of your Brunner’s glands, which affect digestion. Stress makes these glands produce less mucus, which can result in considerable stomach upset. It’s not all in your head — too much pressure produces physiological changes.
However, worrying that your symptoms may be appendicitis only increases your anxiety — often worsening your symptoms. Getting checked could provide the relief you need to feel at least a little better.
If you suspect appendicitis, you should go to the ER. Such facilities often have access to imaging equipment that Urgent Care locations may lack. They’re also better equipped to help you if you are financially indigent.
The well-meant advice to see a doctor means clearing an additional hurdle in the United States. Even people with insurance can struggle with high medical bills, and those without coverage might fear what medical debt could do to their credit. Poor credit affects everything from your ability to rent an apartment or buy a car — deciding to seek care is a high-stakes triage choice for some.
If you lack coverage or can’t afford your deductible or copays, talk with the hospital finance representative when they visit your room. Legally, they must treat emergency conditions such as appendicitis, and they can work with you to set up a payment plan. As tempting as it is, avoid the “ostrich solution.” Ignoring medical bills only damages your credit. Making a good faith effort to pay may avoid the worst damage.
If the ER doctor determines your stomach pain isn’t due to appendicitis, they’ll recommend a follow-up visit with your family doctor. Doing so can rule out other conditions that may require long-term care or dietary modifications to manage.
You can also treat your upset stomach at home. Sticking to clear broths and crackers is a time-honored tradition when feeling unwell. The soup provides fluid and electrolytes, while the crackers absorb excess acid. A laxative may help if you are constipated, as may a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly.
Some people swear by herbs like ginger and mint for easing occasional stomach discomfort. Just use caution with mint if you have acid reflux, as it can relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus too much, worsening your symptoms.
If it is appendicitis, your doctor will perform emergency surgery to remove your appendix. Fortunately, the procedure takes roughly an hour, and most people recover well without complications. However, you’ll have to follow after-care instructions carefully. Surgical removal is the only way to prevent an infected appendix from bursting, which can be fatal.
Here are several frequently asked questions about appendicitis:
An infected appendix may rupture in as little as 48 to 72 hours, so please seek immediate treatment if symptoms appear.
There are currently no approved at-home tests for appendicitis. While TikTok trends such as the “jump test” or pressing on your abdomen to test for tenderness may offer clues, the only foolproof diagnostic method is to seek medical care.
Technically, appendicitis has four stages, but you should seek medical treatment at the first sign of trouble, which is typically severe abdominal pain.
Taking swift action when you first detect appendicitis symptoms is crucial to protecting your health. Although many conditions may imitate appendicitis, taking a wait-and-see approach may be fatal. Know what to look for and how to seek help to protect yourself and stay healthy. 6 Appendicitis Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
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