How long appendicitis

When you have an obstruction or inflammation in your appendix, it can allow bacteria to grow and multiply. In chronic appendicitis, the obstruction may be partial. Eating a diet rich in fiber may lower the risk of appendicitis, but research on diet, nutrition, and eating patterns for the prevention of chronic appendicitis is inconclusive.

High-fiber foods include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Diagnosis of chronic appendicitis can be difficult. To diagnose your condition, your doctor will begin by doing a physical exam, and discussing your symptoms and medical history. Symptoms of chronic appendicitis are similar to symptoms of other medical conditions, so your doctor will likely run tests to rule out other conditions.

These may include:. Some conditions that share similar symptoms with chronic appendicitis, and which your doctor may be trying to rule out, include:. Your doctor will provide you with a specific treatment plan. Sometimes antibiotics are used to treat chronic appendicitis. Your doctor may also drain the pus that forms in your appendix. The most common treatment for chronic appendicitis is an appendectomy , which is surgery to remove the appendix.

That can be done using laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery has fewer complications and uses smaller incisions.

A laparotomy is abdominal surgery through one incision. Several complications can develop because of chronic appendicitis. The complications of appendicitis can be life-threatening. A ruptured appendix can spread an infection throughout your body. Learn more: Emergency signs and symptoms of appendicitis ». Chronic appendicitis is different from acute appendicitis.

The symptoms of chronic appendicitis tend to be milder. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of this condition. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. In England, around 50, people are admitted to hospital with appendicitis each year.

You can get appendicitis at any age, but it usually affects young people aged between 10 and 20 years. Page last reviewed: 18 February Next review due: 18 February Symptoms of appendicitis Appendicitis typically starts with a pain in the middle of your tummy abdomen that may come and go. Pressing on this area, coughing or walking may make the pain worse. When to get medical help If you have abdominal pain that's gradually getting worse, contact a GP or your local out-of-hours service immediately.

How appendicitis is treated If you have appendicitis, it's likely your appendix will need to be removed as soon as possible.

What causes appendicitis? Who's affected Appendicitis is a common condition. Video: what is appendicitis? Watch this animation to learn about what causes appendicitis and how it's treated. Media last reviewed: 1 May Media review due: 1 May The blockage may result from a buildup of mucus, parasites, or most commonly, fecal matter.

This causes the appendix to become irritated and swollen, ultimately leading to appendicitis. The appendix is in the lower right side of your abdomen. This means that it provides no vital function and that you may live a normal, healthy life without it. The purpose of the appendix is unknown.

Some believe it contains tissue that helps your immune system process infections in your body. The resulting infection is called peritonitis.

This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Having a ruptured appendix is a life-threatening situation. Rupture rarely happens within the first 24 hours of symptoms, but the risk of rupture rises dramatically after 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine , the appendix can rupture as quickly as 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. Appendicitis usually involves a gradual onset of dull, cramping, or aching pain throughout the abdomen. As the appendix becomes more swollen and inflamed, it will irritate the lining of the abdominal wall, known as the peritoneum. This causes localized, sharp pain in the right lower part of the abdomen. The pain tends to be more constant and severe than the dull, aching pain that occurs when symptoms start.

However, some people may have an appendix that lies behind the colon. Appendicitis that occurs in these people can cause lower back pain or pelvic pain. You may also have the chills. If your appendix bursts, the resulting infection could cause your fever to rise. Appendicitis can cause nausea and vomiting. You may also become constipated or develop severe diarrhea. This may be related to underlying appendicitis.

They also may have a difficult time pinpointing the pain, and they may say that the pain is in their entire abdomen. This can make it difficult to determine that appendicitis is the cause. Parents can easily mistake appendicitis for a stomach bug or urinary tract infection UTI.

A ruptured appendix can be dangerous for anyone, but the risk of death is highest in infants and toddlers. Many appendicitis symptoms are similar to the discomforts of pregnancy.

These include stomach cramping, nausea, and vomiting.