Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix — a small finger-shaped pouch off the large intestine. Without treatment, it can rupture, causing a serious infection in the belly. It is one of the commonest surgical emergencies at any age but particularly in young adults.

Classic symptoms

• Pain that starts near the navel and moves to the lower right side of the belly over hours.
• Pain worse on walking, coughing, or the bumps of a road journey.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
• Low-grade fever.
• Tenderness in the lower right belly on pressing.
• In children and older adults, symptoms can be less typical.

Red flags — go to hospital

• Severe worsening pain.
• Pain spreading across the whole belly (possible rupture).
• High fever with vomiting.
• Inability to keep down fluids.
• Confusion or lethargy in a child or older adult.

What to do

• Do not eat or drink while getting to hospital — surgery may be needed.
• Do not take strong painkillers, enemas, or laxatives — they can mask or worsen the picture.
• Go to an emergency department; diagnosis is by examination and an ultrasound or CT scan.
• Dial 112 if pain is severe or there is any red flag.

Treatment

• Appendicectomy (surgery to remove the appendix) — the main treatment. Often done laparoscopically (key-hole); recovery in 1-3 days.
• Antibiotics — sometimes used alone in carefully selected uncomplicated cases.
• A ruptured appendix with abscess may need drainage and antibiotics first, followed by surgery.
• Surgery is widely available in government and private hospitals across India.