Appendix Pain Symptoms

Measures to Determine Appendix Pain Symptoms

Generally the first appendix pain symptoms from most patients is abdominal pain, This symptom occurs with loss of appetite when seen from cases and nausea and even vomiting which is mainly caused by intestinal obstruction. In most cases the pain cannot be localized to a specific location, it appears to defuse around a person's abdominal area, this normally happens when the inflammation is related to the small intestine or the appendix in other words, generally located around the abdomen is shown most patients when asked to show the location of the pain or discomfort appendix.

If your appendix becomes inflamed and fills with pus, then the condition is referred to appendicitis. Your appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that projects out from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. Although this small structure has no known essential purpose, but that does not mean it can not cause problems. Usually pain caused by appendicitis begins around your navel and then shifts to your lower right abdomen. Before appendicitis pain became so severe usually it increases over a period of 12 to 18 hours.

How to Recognizing Appendix Pain Symptoms

1.Pay attention to abdominal pain. Pain associated with appendicitis generally starts around the navel (or belly button) and moves to the lower-right abdomen, just above your hip bone.

- Press on your abdomen. If it's too painful for you to even touch, especially in the lower right portion, consider calling a doctor.

- Note any firmness. When you press on your stomach, is your finger able to sink into the organ a bit? Or does your abdomen feel unusually firm and hard? If you notice the latter, you might be bloated, which is another appendix pain symptom - Try to stand up straight and walk. If you can't do this without severe pain, you might have appendicitis. Additionally, you might find that you can ease the pain by lying on your side and curling into the fetal position.

- Watch for a "path" of pain. The sharp pain might move from your navel to the area directly over your appendix (called McBurney's Point) 12 to 24 hours after you start experiencing symptoms. If you've noticed a distinct progression like this, see a doctor.

2.Look for other symptoms of appendicitis. Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms. But if you find yourself checking off several of them, it might be time to go to the hospital.

- Fever — If your temperature is at or over 103°F (40°C), go to a hospital immediately. If it's at 102°F (38°C) but you're experiencing several other symptoms, go to the hospital as soon as possible.

- Chills

- Constipation — If your constipation is paired with frequent vomiting, this strongly indicates appendicitis.

- Nausea

- Diarrhea

- Vomiting

- Shaking

- Tenesmus (the feeling that a bowel movement will relieve discomfort)

- Back pain

3. Know what to avoid while you watch and wait. If you're still not sure you have appendicitis, try "watchful waiting" for a few hours while you keep an eye on your appendix pain symptoms. (Unless you have a high fever — in that case, you should be on your way to a hospital right now.) While you're waiting, here's what to avoid:

- Don't take laxatives or pain medication. Laxatives might irritate your intestines further, and pain meds can make it harder for you to monitor any spikes in abdominal pain.

- Don't take antacids. They can worsen pain associated with appendicitis.

- Don't eat foods that might irritate your stomach. Stick to the same diet you'd eat while recovering from the flu, or the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.

Method to Determine Symptoms of Appendix Pain

- The first method to determine and diagnose appendix pain symptoms is through a physical examination, most patients will often have an elevated temperature or fever and will show signs of particular pain around the lower part of the abdomen, especially when the doctor pushes inwards over this area.

- There are other methods to diagnose the inflammation of the appendix such as a white blood cell count, an urinalysis, abdominal x-rays, barium enema, laparoscopy, ultrasound and many other methods, but for the most part appendix pain symptoms are normally related to an, lost of appetite and vomiting.

- Go to an emergency room. If you feel reasonably certain you have appendicitis, don't just pick up the phone and make a doctor's appointment for later in the week. Go to a hospital, as soon as possible. Appendicitis is potentially life-threatening if the appendix bursts without treatment. 

- Pack some overnight items, such as fresh pajamas and your toothbrush. If you have appendicitis, you'll be getting surgery and staying overnight.

- Don't panic if you have to wait. Once you're in the hospital, you're a lot safer than you are at home even if your appendix bursts in the waiting room, they'll be able to get you into surgery quickly. Try to be patient and take your mind off the pain.

- Be prepared for triage. When you go to an emergency room, explain your appendix pain symptoms to the triage nurse and tell him or her that you suspect appendicitis. You'll then be ranked on a list of patients who need care according to the immediacy of their injuries.

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References :

How to Recognize the Symptoms of appendicitis, http://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-the-Symptoms-of-Appendicitis ( July 25, 2013 )