Appendicitis:Why Does it Hurt so Much?

Monica woke up in the middle of the night with a strong pain in her belly. It felt as if she had a tummy bug. After spending all night waking up trying to soothe the unbearable pain, she realizes that it ain’t no flu causing the pain. It is something much more severe than that. The doctors told that the pain in the abdomen must go away in some days. But, it didn’t. The ache in her belly was similar to what one experiences when being impaled on a sword. After a few days, the doctor looked for tenderness and performed several tests. It is then that everyone’s fear came alive. The excruciating pain was a result of appendicitis.

So, what makes appendicitis so agonizing? Ever wondered?

Pain in Gut, Appendicitis

Appendicitis, which is an emergency condition, is an inflammation of the appendix. If it is left untreated for a while, the inflamed appendix can burst and start leaking and spread bacteria from the colon into the abdominal cavity. If the patient is delayed treatment, the ruptured appendix can be fatal. The most common characteristic of appendicitis is severe pain in the abdomen, especially on the lower right side. Thus, it can easily be mistaken for other health conditions. In its early stages, the pain in abdomen is often dismissed as insignificant.  

When does Appendicitis Occur?

Appendix is a worm-like extension of the large intestine which is significantly narrow. It is about three inches long and has no known function. Appendicitis occurs when inside lining of appendix gets blocked and then inflamed and swollen. If timely treatment is not given, it can cause infection, blockage of blood flow, gangrene and eventually, rupture of appendix leading to fatal infection in the entire body cavity.

What could Possibly Cause Appendicitis?

The cause of appendicitis is not clear. However, it is believed that appendix is caused by infection in appendicitis. But, the cause of infection is not clear to doctors and scientists. At times, small object like a hard piece of stool can block the opening of appendix. The bacteria then grows in the appendix and causes infection.

Appendicitis can be cured easily if proper awareness is provided. However, delay or ignorance can be fatal.

Image courtesy: Getty Images

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