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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. Antibiotics are given to the patient intravenously to reduce the possibility of peritonitis. The first signs of appendicitis are often a mild fever and pain around the belly button. It might seem like just a stomachache. But with appendicitis, the pain usually gets worse and moves to the lower right side of the belly.

If pain spreads across the belly, it may mean the appendix has burst. Doctors call this ruptured appendicitis , and it's serious. Call your doctor right away if you think your child has appendicitis.

The sooner it's caught, the easier it will be to treat. If an infected appendix isn't removed, it has the potential to burst about 48 to 72 hours after symptoms first start. This can spread bacteria inside the body. The infection might form a large collection of pus an abscess or spread throughout the belly. When the appendix gets blocked, too much bacteria can grow and cause an infection. Some of the things that might block the appendix are:. The symptoms of appendicitis can be a lot like those of other medical problems like kidney stones , pneumonia , or a urinary tract infection.

So it can be a challenge for doctors to diagnose. To find out if a child has appendicitis, a doctor will examine the belly for signs of pain and tenderness. The doctor will order blood tests and urine tests. The shunt will be taken out in a few days, when your surgeon feels the infection has gone away. Laparoscopic method. This surgery uses several small cuts incisions and a camera laparoscope to look inside your belly. The surgical tools are placed through a few small incisions. The laparoscope is placed through another incision.

A laparoscopy can often be done even if the appendix has burst. Complications of Appendicitis The main problem with appendicitis is the risk of a burst appendix. This may happen if the appendix is not removed quickly. A burst appendix can lead to infection in the belly, called peritonitis. Peritonitis can be very serious and even cause death if not treated right away. Can appendicitis be prevented?

At this time, there is no known way to stop appendicitis from happening. When should I call my healthcare provider? If you have any of the symptoms of appendicitis listed above, call your healthcare provider right away. Or go to an emergency department. Appendicitis is a serious medical emergency.

It should be treated as quickly as possible. Key Points About Appendicitis Appendicitis is when your appendix becomes sore, swollen, and diseased. It is a medical emergency. You must seek care right away.

It happens when the inside of your appendix gets filled with something that causes it to swell, such as mucus, stool, or parasites. Most cases of appendicitis happen between the ages of 10 and 30 years. It causes pain in the belly, but each person may have different symptoms. Your health care provider will advise that you have surgery to remove your appendix.

Next Steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you. If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions. Does This Child Have Appendicitis?