Appendicitis more common in young adults: Don’t ignore these signs

Don't ignore the pain in the side of your abdomen. Know what is appendicitis and how it affects your health.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis more common in people 20 years or younger. Image courtesy: Adobe stock
Dr Sunny Agarwal Published: 5 Feb 2023, 15:15 pm IST
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The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that emerges from your colon on the bottom right side of your belly and becomes inflamed when you have appendicitis. Someone with this condition will experience lower right abdominal pain. It will be imperative for you to seek timely medical attention in case you are diagnosed with this condition. Here are some of the most frequently asked queries regarding appendicitis.

Can back pain indicate an appendix infection?

Although the illness is most commonly connected with abdominal discomfort, you may also suffer pain in your back’s sides (stomach). Back pain that doesn’t go away after four hours is a warning sign that something is wrong (and not only that you could have appendicitis), therefore you should see a doctor to get checked out. If the pain is actually related to appendicitis, immediate treatment may be required. It is better to consult the doctor and know about the underlying cause of your back pain.

Appendicitis
Can back pain indicate an appendix infection? Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Do teenagers with appendicitis have different signs from adults or young children?

Teenagers often exhibit the same signs and symptoms that adults do. They could begin a bit differently, just as with kids. A dull stomach discomfort in the area of the belly button is frequently the first symptom in children and teens (navel). Then, the discomfort or pain moves to the lower right side and gets greater as the inside infection gets worse. Even infants and toddlers under the age of two can get appendicitis. A parent will first notice a bloated or puffy stomach, which is frequently followed by vomiting. Other typical symptoms will appear very fast in all instances, even those in kids and teenagers. nausea, a fever, and appetite loss.

Complications of appendicitis and who is more prone to it

Males are more likely than females to get appendicitis. Although it most frequently affects persons in their teens and early 20s, it may affect anybody, even older folks.

Your appendix may rupture if appendicitis is left untreated. Complications might result from an appendix that bursts. Peritonitis is one such consequence that can cause dangerous infections to spread throughout your abdomen.

Unusual or lesser-known symptoms of appendicitis

Other less frequent appendicitis symptoms include dull or intense pain in your upper or lower tummy, back, or rear end, peeing that is painful or difficult, vomiting before your stomach ache begins, cramps, constipation or diarrhea accompanied by gas, fever, appetite loss, and abdominal swelling.

Side effects of tea on empty stomach
Don’t ignore these symptoms of appendicitis. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

What are the causes of appendicitis?

One can get detected with appendicitis when the appendix is blocked. The other possible factors inviting this condition are a buildup of hardened stool, intestinal worms, traumatic injury, and tumors.

What is the treatment for appendicitis?

The recommended course of therapy for acute appendicitis is an appendectomy either open laparotomy or laparoscopy. However, for some individuals, intravenous antibiotics could be the first-line treatment. It should be a top priority to treat pain with acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to prevent any needless or delayed action.

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About the Author

Dr Sunny Agarwal is a laparoscopy and laser surgeon at the Fortune Clinic. He has an experience of more than 13 years. Worked as an Assistant Professor at Nair Hospital, Mumbai Central, and Senior Registrar at KEM Hospital, Parel where he gained profound knowledge and skills in minimally invasive surgeries, trauma care, complex surgeries, LASER procedures, and more. ...Read More

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