I was 9 years old, and it began as a bad stomachache that was unbearable within hours. When my abdomen became distended and tender to the touch, we went to the doctor. I had appendicitis.
What Is the Appendix?
The appendix is a small, fingerlike pouch that hangs from the cecum, the part of the intestines located at the start of the colon (the large intestine). The appendix is 3 to 4 inches long and about a half-inch wide. It’s unclear exactly what the appendix does, but it may play a role in the immune system.
What Is Appendicitis?
Most cases of appendicitis happen between the ages of 5 and 45. Appendicitis is the most common childhood surgical emergency in the U.S. Though appendicitis happens more often in teenagers and young adults, it can occur at any age.
Appendicitis is when the appendix is abnormally swollen because it is filled with mucus or stool, which can occur when the opening to the appendix is blocked. This prevents it from emptying into the cecum. A closed-off appendix allows bacteria to grow, causing irritation and inflammation, which reduces blood flow to the appendix. As the swelling increases, the appendix can weaken and burst, which may result in infection inside the abdomen.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
At first, you may not be able to tell exactly what’s happening with appendicitis. Though you probably will have pain, it can be tough to pin down exactly where it’s coming from. The pain may begin near your belly button and move to your lower right lower side, which is considered a sign of appendicitis. The pain may get worse when you move, cough, breathe deeply, or sneeze.
Swelling in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or fever are other signs of appendicitis. Some people with appendicitis can also have constipation or diarrhea, an inability to pass gas, or feel like having a bowel movement would relieve their discomfort (but it won’t).
What to Do if You Think It’s Appendicitis
Appendicitis doesn’t go away on its own. Talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you think you or your child has appendicitis.
Once you’re at the hospital, you’ll likely have a scan to determine the problem. A combination of surgery to remove the appendix and intravenous (IV) antibiotics is often the solution to appendicitis. In my case, I had an appendectomy the same day the pain and swelling started. I was in the hospital for nearly a week, but most appendectomies are now done laparoscopically, and recovery is much quicker.
If the scan shows that nothing is clogging the appendix, your doctor may offer antibiotics only to clear up the infection. Older people and those with certain medical conditions that make surgery riskier may be offered this option. However, patients who recover from appendicitis after receiving antibiotics may have another episode and eventually require an appendectomy.
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