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If you notice any of these symptoms you should see your doctor immediately.
Appendicitis is a painful swelling of the appendix, which is a small pouch connected to the large intestine.
About 5% of the population get appendicitis and if you’re in this unlucky group you’ll probably have to have your appendix removed.
If left untreated the appendix can actually burst, so it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible.
“If it is not treated, your appendix can rupture, which can be life-threatening,” said Jennifer Caudle, D.O., a board-certified family physician and assistant professor at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Here are five warning signs you should look out for:
1. Your stomach hurts more than ever before
Lots of different things can cause stomach pain, but appendicitis usually causes a severe pain that extends from the belly button to the lower right side of the abdomen.
Pressing on this area, coughing, or walking may all make the pain worse. This could mean your whole abdominal wall is inflamed and your appendix might be on the verge of bursting.
2. You’ve got a fever
A fever is any body temperature above the normal 98.6 F (37 C), but it’s not considered a significant fever until it’s above 100.4 F (38 C).
If you feel hot and cold and have chills it means there’s inflammation somewhere in your body. Teamed with other symptoms it could be a sign of appendicitis.
3. You’re feeling to being sick
“Inflammation of the appendix sometimes impacts other aspects of the GI tract and the nervous system and leads to nausea and vomiting,” Jennifer told Women’s Health.
It could just be a stomach bug but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
4. You feel like you need to wee all the time
The appendix is pretty close to the bladder. If it gets inflamed it can cause the bladder to become inflamed and irritated.
You might feel like you need a wee all the time and it might be painful when you do go.
5. You’re confused or disoriented
This could be a serious sign that things are getting worse. If you feel dazed and confused it could mean the infection has entered your bloodstream – which can be fatal.
If this happens seek medical help immediately.
Via Daily Star UK
