These Could Be the Signs and Causes of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is one of the most common conditions requiring urgent surgical intervention—each year in Hungary, approximately ten thousand cases are diagnosed where the experienced symptoms are attributed to this condition. What symptoms require immediate medical attention? In this article, we review not only the signs of appendicitis but also the possible causes.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent appendicitis itself, but it is possible to prevent perforation (rupture of the intestinal segment). To do this, it is essential to recognize the symptoms indicating the disease and seek medical help as soon as possible when they appear.
Signs of Appendicitis
Diagnosing appendicitis based solely on symptoms can be challenging, as many other conditions (such as stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, or ovarian cysts) can present with symptoms similar to acute appendicitis. Proper diagnosis requires expertise, knowledge of medical history, and additional examinations. Signs that may indicate appendicitis include:
- Lower abdominal and umbilical pain – Abdominal pain typically localizes to the lower right side. The initial discomfort may appear near the navel and intensify with touch, movement, shaking, or breathing. Patients often report experiencing sharp, sudden pain unlike anything they have felt before.
- Chills, fever, elevated temperature – If the sharp pain mentioned above is accompanied by a mild fever or a temperature around 38°C (100.4°F) and shivering, appendicitis becomes more likely. A high fever above 39°C (102.2°F) and severe chills may indicate the risk of perforation.
- Digestive problems – Symptoms resembling food poisoning lasting more than 12 hours—such as bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea—combined with the above symptoms further increase suspicion of appendicitis.
A severe condition, such as appendiceal perforation, may be indicated if the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorates, pain intensifies, and the abdomen becomes hard and rigid. In this stage, immediate emergency medical assistance is required, as surgery can be life-saving. If appendicitis cannot be ruled out, surgical intervention is always justified.
Causes of Appendicitis
In most cases (about 70–80%), appendicitis is caused by the obstruction of the opening where the appendix connects to the cecum. This blockage may result from a foreign object (such as a small seed), a hardened stool (fecalith), thickened mucus, swollen lymphatic tissue, or even a tumor. Additionally, infection-related pus buildup in the appendix and inflammation of this intestinal segment associated with other diseases can contribute to its development.
Seek Medical Attention if You Experience Symptoms Suggestive of Appendicitis!
At our clinic, we provide comprehensive surgical care, including the treatment of acute abdominal pain and emergency surgical conditions—such as perforated appendicitis—handled by recognized and experienced specialists.
Experiencing symptoms suggestive of appendicitis?