Appendix which side

Doctors call this ruptured appendicitis , and it's serious. Call your doctor right away if you think your child has appendicitis.

The sooner it's caught, the easier it will be to treat. If an infected appendix isn't removed, it has the potential to burst about 48 to 72 hours after symptoms first start. This can spread bacteria inside the body. The infection might form a large collection of pus an abscess or spread throughout the belly.

When the appendix gets blocked, too much bacteria can grow and cause an infection. Some of the things that might block the appendix are:. The symptoms of appendicitis can be a lot like those of other medical problems like kidney stones , pneumonia , or a urinary tract infection.

So it can be a challenge for doctors to diagnose. To find out if a child has appendicitis, a doctor will examine the belly for signs of pain and tenderness. The doctor will order blood tests and urine tests. Some kids also get an X-ray of the abdomen and chest, an ultrasound , or a CAT scan. The medical team may tell you not to give your child any food or drink. This is in case your child needs surgery. A surgeon will operate to take out the infected appendix.

When you're pregnant, the pain may seem to come from your upper abdomen because your appendix is higher during pregnancy. Make an appointment with a doctor if you or your child has worrisome signs or symptoms. Severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention. A blockage in the lining of the appendix that results in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis.

The bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture. A pocket of pus that forms in the abdomen. If your appendix bursts, you may develop a pocket of infection abscess. In most cases, a surgeon drains the abscess by placing a tube through your abdominal wall into the abscess. The tube is left in place for about two weeks, and you're given antibiotics to clear the infection.

Once the infection is clear, you'll have surgery to remove the appendix. In some cases, the abscess is drained, and the appendix is removed immediately. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Appendicitis can happen at any time, but it most often occurs between the ages of 10 and Appendicitis seems less likely if you have a diet rich in fiber.

You can increase your fiber intake by eating a healthy diet that contains lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods that are particularly high in fiber include:. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can prevent constipation and subsequent stool buildup. Stool buildup is the most common cause of appendicitis.

Always seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know has symptoms of appendicitis. More often than not, pain in the lower right abdomen is nothing to worry about and will go away on its own in a day or two. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It may be acute or chronic. If left untreated, appendicitis may cause your appendix to burst and lead to….

Peritonitis is the inflammation of a thin layer of tissue inside the abdomen, caused by bacteria or fungus. Get the facts on this medical emergency.

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. Learn about the appendectomy procedure, risks, and recovery.

An abdominal film is an X-ray of the abdomen. This type of X-ray can be used to diagnose many conditions. Learn more here. Fiber intake depends on age, gender, and sex.

Find out how much fiber you need, where to get it, and the best way to increase your daily intake. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Emergency Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis. What is appendicitis? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M.

Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.