People are increasingly suffering from various diseases gastrointestinal tract... The manifestation of diseases is influenced by the deteriorating environmental situation in the world, poor unbalanced nutrition, a lot of bad habits, and a sedentary lifestyle.

More and more often in the office of the therapist and surgeon the phrase sounds: "Appendicitis hurts ..." This is a disease that manifests itself against the background of inflammation of the appendix (appendix). The disease itself cannot hurt, therefore it is correct to ask: "how and where does the appendix hurt" so that the doctor would give a clear answer to the question.

The manifestation of the disease is quite diverse, the symptoms are extensive (more than 40). Naturally, the main and sure sign is pain. When the stomach begins to ache, it is required to note the area of ​​localization and the nature of the pain.

Stomach problems affect the body differently from inflammation. With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it can get sick and stop, then not get sick for a long time (several days, a week). The inflamed appendicular process, on the contrary, hurts for a long time and constantly. In order not to endanger life, it is shown to undergo a full examination. It is possible to get rid of appendicitis only by surgery. Appendectomy (removal of the appendix) accounts for 70% of urgent surgical procedures.

The appendix can be located on the right side or in the area of ​​the left. In this case, the localization of pain is wandering. The pain is constant, pronounced. In the acute stage, suppuration of the appendicular process is possible, which forces an urgent operation to remove the appendix to slow down the process of the transition of inflammation to other organs.

With appendicitis, pain occurs sharply, against the background of good health, sometimes the patient wakes up at night from a sudden attack of pain. Most often, soreness occurs in the lower abdomen on the right side, but can manifest itself in the navel and upper part abdominal cavity, gradually (within 3-4 hours) descending into the iliac part of the peritoneum (Kocher's symptom). The pain is quite bearable, the intensity is constantly increasing, reaching acute.

Depending on the location of the appendicular process, the localization of pain occurs in different places:

1. In the right iliac region. The right side and bottom of the peritoneum hurt. Sometimes the navel and the area around it hurt a lot. Pain relievers will not work to soothe pain.
2. Behind the stomach. The localization of the pain syndrome is blurred. It starts off as a bloating, it seems that. Sometimes a pain reliever helps, but the effect lasts no more than an hour.
3. In the pelvic area, in contact with the ureters, genitals. The nature of the pain is acute, pricks in the lower abdomen, present frequent urge to urinate. In women, gynecological ailments are possible against the background of suppuration of the process of the rectum in the area of ​​the ovaries and uterus.
4. Close to the kidneys, sometimes the liver. Soreness is observed in the lumbar region, radiates to the back.
5. The process is on the left side of the abdominal cavity. The rarest type of location, when there are difficulties in diagnosis. Painful sensations are manifested in the abdomen, the left side hurts.

Soreness progresses depending on the stage of the disease, starting with a slight manifestation in the form of swelling, ending with an acute, cutting. Everything .

First stage

The catarrhal stage lasts the first 10-12 hours and is manifested by a dull, low-intensity pain in the iliac region and around the umbilical ring. Possible nausea, a single vomiting stream, increased urge to urinate, frequent loose stools, a gradual increase in body temperature above 37 degrees. Appears general weakness, dry mouth with white, soreness becomes more pronounced, more paroxysmal.

This is the best time for surgery. On examination, the softness of the abdominal cavity is observed; when probing the right area, the patient experiences an increase in pain.

Second stage

Soreness manifests itself in the lower abdomen. Intoxication of the body becomes pronounced (constant nausea, diarrhea, vomiting is possible). The body temperature becomes lowered (below 36 degrees). The bloating is very noticeable, the soreness with percussion increases.

Stage four

The perforated stage appears at the end of the third day. Sharp, throbbing pain becomes cramping, sometimes radiating to the intestines. Frequent vomiting appears brown bloom on the tongue, the temperature rises to a critical point. Bowel movements do not work, laxatives do not help. Peritonitis (blood poisoning against a ruptured appendix) may develop. The pain is paroxysmal, strongly pronounced, sometimes radiating to the lumbar region. It is strictly forbidden to endure for a long time; if delayed, a lethal outcome is possible.

The time frame of the stages of the disease is conditional. In each case, the development of the disease proceeds differently (both a sharp course and a little expressed, latent).

The only solution was the surgical removal of the inflamed appendicular process.

Soreness after removal

Any surgical intervention brings painful sensations after the procedure. After the operation, the internal tissues heal slowly, which causes pain. Painful aching, subsides gradually, localized in the right side. It may take several months after the appendix is ​​removed to regain a pain-free life as usual. After appendicitis, other manifestations are possible:

• Sharp cutting pain. Indicates seam divergence. This is possible with sharp physical activity on the press (a sharp rise from bed, severe cough, lifting heavy objects).
• Drawing pain, cramping sharp manifestations in the abdomen are present. This indicates the formation of adhesions. More often it manifests itself under the seam and on top of it, pulls the intestines.
• Soreness in the right side, which manifests itself during physical exertion, subsides during rest. Often, alternating problems with stool become parallel symptoms (diarrhea is replaced by constipation). Indicates the formation of a postoperative hernia.
• Increasing pain that does not stop for a minute, with an increase in body temperature. On the wound, there is noticeable compaction (swelling of the seams). Signals the development of the inflammatory process (abscess of tissues and organs).

In this case, it is not appendicitis that is to blame, but unqualified surgery, the ingress of bacteria into the wound, or improper behavior of the postoperative patient.

For all manifestations, it is necessary to urgently contact your doctor. To reduce the chances of developing hernias and to prevent sutures from spreading, you need to follow the surgeon's recommendations, eat right (if the appendix is ​​cut out, you must follow a strict diet). The diet is aimed at improving intestinal motility, which will prevent the development of improper bowel movements (bloating, flatulence, constipation).

Coping with painful manifestations after appendectomy

The operation to remove the appendix takes 1 hour on average. With possible pathologies, the surgical intervention is delayed up to 2-3 hours.

After removing the appendix, the pain - normal symptom... The wound heals, the nerve endings send signals to the brain, it signals pain.

For severe pain, the doctor may prescribe narcotic analgesics, sold exclusively by prescription. Drinking is permissible in limited small doses. In extreme cases, the doctor will increase the dosage. Such drugs cause complications, self-administration is prohibited.

Pain relief is prescribed if pain are a deviation. Otherwise, they will appear side effects: nausea, increased sedation, delayed rehabilitation.

If the pain is tolerable, mild, it is possible to take non-narcotic analgesic drugs. Change of diet is possible. Each patient needs an individual approach. When handling complaints, be sure to indicate the manifestations of pain in detail.

Appendicitis - dangerous disease... In case of untimely contact with medical institution complications are possible (peritonitis, abscess), up to death! Life is one, it is worth taking a closer look at your health.

The mortality rate because of it seems to be low: only 0.2-0.3%, but behind such insignificant numbers there are about 3,000 human lives that doctors cannot save. And in the summer, when many people are at their dachas and far from doctors, it is especially important to be able to distinguish appendicitis from ordinary abdominal pain in order to see a doctor in time.

Blind but dangerous

The appendix is ​​a short and thin blind appendix 7-10 cm long, located at the end of the cecum (the initial section of the large intestine). Like any part of the intestine, the appendix produces intestinal juice, but so little that it does not play a special role in digestion. Therefore, for a long time it was considered a "mistake of nature" and was removed to patients at the earliest opportunity. But recently, scientists have discovered lymphoid cells in the blind process, the same as in the human tonsils. And since these cells have properties to protect the body from infections, it was suggested that the appendix is ​​part of the immune system.

However, the number of protective cells in it, as it turned out, is very insignificant and cannot have a strong effect on immunity. So most experts are still sure that there is no benefit from the appendix, but the harm in case of inflammation can be significant: acute appendicitis not diagnosed in time can cost not only health, but also life.

Are the teeth to blame?

Experts disagree about the exact causes of appendicitis. However, risk groups have been identified.

For example, people suffering from diseases such as chronic tonsillitis, pneumonia, lingering colds, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, caries. As a result of these diseases, infections through the bloodstream penetrate the appendix and provoke an inflammatory process there. So healthy teeth- pledge of health for appendicitis.

There is also a stress theory. It is based on the fact that as a result of excitement, a sharp narrowing occurs in a person blood vessels and this leads to a sudden exsanguination of the appendix and the development of its inflammation.

But most often the occurrence of appendicitis is explained by the blockage of the junction of the colon and the appendix, which often happens with constipation and chronic colitis.

How to identify him?

In most people, the appendix is ​​located about halfway between the navel and the right ilium. In this place, with appendicitis, the maximum pain is felt. But if the appendix is ​​raised to the right hypochondrium, closer to the liver, pain will manifest itself in this area. And if the appendix is ​​lowered into the lower part of the pelvis, then in women it is easy to confuse appendicitis with inflammation of the appendages, in men - Bladder.

When the appendix is ​​located behind the cecum, when it is wrapped to the kidney and ureter, pain in the lower back occurs, it radiates to the groin, to the leg, to the pelvic region. If the process is directed into the abdomen, then pains appear closer to the navel, in the middle abdomen and even under the spoon.

Pains arise suddenly, for no apparent reason... They are not very strong at first - they can still be tolerated. And sometimes, from the very first minutes of an attack of acute appendicitis, they become unbearable and proceed like colic.

The pain will torment a person as long as the nerve endings of the appendix are alive. When its necrosis occurs, the nerve cells will die and the pain will weaken. But this is no reason to calm down. Appendicitis will not "resolve"... On the contrary, the retreat of pain is a reason for immediate hospitalization. Acute appendicitis is accompanied by other symptoms. At the beginning of the disease, general malaise, weakness appears, and appetite worsens. Soon there may be nausea, sometimes vomiting, but one-time. A typical temperature is in the range of 37.2-37.7 degrees, sometimes accompanied by chills. A white or yellowish coating appears on the tongue.

Simple techniques can help you recognize appendicitis. But, keep in mind, self-diagnosis must be done very carefully.

1 ... Tap lightly with the pad of your bent index finger in the area of ​​the right iliac bone - with appendicitis, it always hurts there.

2 ... For comparison, also tap on the left iliac region, which in case of inflammation of the appendix will not cause pain. Attention: palpation (palpation of the abdomen with your hands) is impossible, there is a danger of rupture of the appendix, which usually leads to peritonitis.

3. Try coughing loudly: increased pain in the right iliac region will tell you that you are starting to have appendicitis.

4 ... Press lightly with the palm of your hand where it hurts the most. Hold your hand here for 5-10 seconds. This will ease the pain slightly. Now remove your hand. If pain appears at this point, this is a sign of acute appendicitis.

5 ... Take the pose of an embryo, that is, lie on your right side and pull your legs up to your torso. With appendicitis, abdominal pain will ease. If you turn onto your left side and straighten your legs, it will intensify. This is also a sign of acute appendicitis.

But this self-diagnosis should be limited. Do not hesitate to see a doctor, since the appendicitis itself and all the diseases under which it can be disguised ( renal colic, exacerbation of pancreatitis or cholecystitis, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, acute inflammation of the bladder, kidneys, female organs), require hospitalization!

How to treat

If a diagnosis of acute appendicitis is made, the first-line treatment is emergency surgery. Currently, there is a gentle laparoscopic method in which the appendix can be removed without a large incision. Unfortunately, in our country, this type of surgery is not yet widespread enough due to poor technical equipment of hospitals.

the main task postoperative period- to avoid complications, for example, postoperative wound suppuration. In their occurrence, most often there is no fault of the surgeon. And whether or not this complication occurs depends on the state of the appendix at the time of the operation - the greater the degree of inflammation, the higher the danger of suppuration.

If the operation was successful, the stitches are removed for young patients on the 6-7th day and discharged from the hospital. But for the elderly, as well as with chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart ischemia, etc.), the sutures are removed 2-3 days later. After that, it is advisable to fasten the wound with an adhesive plaster.

For about a month, do not take a bath or go to the bathhouse: water and temperature loads on the fragile scar tissue make the seam coarser, wider and ugly. Not less than three months, and the elderly should not lift weights for six months. Avoid sports activities that strain your abdominal muscles. Try not to catch cold: it is dangerous for you to cough.

Hard case

If you try to "endure" appendicitis, you may experience peritonitis - an inflammation of the abdominal cavity. Its symptoms are:

growing pain throughout the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, in severe cases - drowsiness, lethargy, bluish tinge of the face;

pulse up to 120-140 beats per minute, temperature up to 39-40 C;

the tongue is coated with a white coating, then it becomes dry, like a crust, the lips dry out and crack;

the stomach is swollen, it hurts in all its areas, but especially on the right.

Peritonitis is treated only by surgery. Moreover, the operation is very complicated and time-consuming. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to save the patient. That is why, if you experience any pain in the abdomen, in no case should you delay the visit to the doctor. As they say, we do not want to scare anyone, but everyone should remember how dangerous appendicitis is.

Appendicitis is a very common disease that affects one in ten people. It would seem that everyone knows the symptoms of appendicitis from childhood, but for some reason, sometimes the disease is difficult to diagnose even for experienced surgeons. Today we will figure out by what signs and how you can identify appendicitis. And we will find out what will happen if we delay the diagnosis of the disease and why, in case of abdominal pain, go for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

What is appendix and appendicitis and why the disease is difficult to diagnose

The appendix, the appendix of the cecum, is an organ with variable size and location. You can roughly determine where the appendix is ​​located by drawing 2 imaginary lines:

• horizontally, from the navel to the right;
• vertically, from the right breast nipple down.

The lower right corner formed by the crosshairs of these lines - the right iliac region - is the most likely location for the appendix. Due to the long mesentery, the process is easily displaced, therefore, exactly where the appendix is ​​located is determined by ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

Inflammation of the appendix is ​​called appendicitis. The disease is characterized by a variety and complexity of symptoms. Celiac pain in appendicitis is usually similar to symptoms of other abdominal and pelvic diseases, including diverticulitis, ovarian mass, and even.

Annually, about 300 thousand operations to remove the appendix due to a false diagnosis turn out to be erroneous.

It is especially difficult to diagnose appendicitis in the initial stages, when the pain does not have a strict localization, and the symptoms are too blurred, and when chronic forms- only ultrasound helps here. It is possible to independently guess that appendicitis has begun only when the pain has already reached its peak and the operation can go beyond a simple one.

Is appendicitis dangerous?

Having identified appendicitis, the patient is referred for surgery - more than a million of such interventions are performed in the Russian Federation annually. Since this organ is not vital, with timely removal of the appendix, health quickly returns to normal.

If the disease has gone too far and the inflammation spilled over into peritonitis - a purulent inflammation of the peritoneum, you can lose not only neighboring organs, but also life along with the appendix. According to statistics, about 5 thousand patients die annually from complications of appendicitis.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis in adults

Attacks of appendicitis usually begin between the ages of 10 and 30, but the disease can occur at any age. Pathology is rare only in children under 2 years of age.

10 most common signs and symptoms of appendicitis:

• abdominal pain;
• tightening of the abdominal wall;
• nausea and vomiting;
• loss of appetite;
• fever;
• diarrhea;
• constipation;
• abdominal distension;
• leukocytosis (an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood).

Not all of the signs and symptoms listed above are necessarily present in patients with acute appendicitis. In fact, some of these, such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating, occur in less than half of cases.

Features of pain syndrome with appendicitis in adults

• The most common symptom, present in almost 100% of cases of appendicitis, is abdominal pain. But abdominal pain can be caused by dozens of different diseases. The appendix itself is a poorly innervated organ, so the first signs of appendicitis are difficult for even the body to recognize. Despite the fact that the organ is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdominal cavity, pain with appendicitis in the first 6-8 hours is usually felt around the navel. The patient cannot pinpoint the place that hurts. When asked what worries him and where, he moves his hand around his navel.
• During the first 24 hours, as the inflammation spreads to the intestinal loops and peritoneum (the membrane that surrounds the gastrointestinal tract), the brain receives accurate signals of problems in the lower right abdomen.
• Over time, pain completely migrates to the right lower quadrant of the abdominal cavity, manifesting itself at a specific point. This symptom of appendicitis is diagnosed in 60% of cases.
• When the peritoneum is affected, the pain of appendicitis increases and palpation of the abdomen becomes very painful. The pain also tends to get worse when the patient coughs, tries to walk, or make any sudden movements.

On physical examination, there is a typical symptom of acute appendicitis pain called decompression or Bloomberg's sign. This signal is examined by pressing with the hand on the lower right abdomen. When there is appendicitis, the quick removal of the hands causes severe pain at the site, much more severe than the pain caused by squeezing.

Other forms of pain with appendicitis: appendicitis on the right, back and in the groin

Where exactly the pain is concentrated during an attack of appendicitis cannot be described by young children, the elderly, immunocompromised patients who do not develop violent inflammatory processes, etc. Abdominal pain is often difficult to recognize due to severe headache and other signs of inflammation.

Atypical pain occurs in the following cases:

• In about 15% of people, the appendix is ​​posterior, whereby instead of the typical right lower quadrant pain, the patient may complain of back pain, right upper quadrant pain, or pain around the right flank.
• With a low location of the appendages, pain may be in the groin, anus, or pubic region. Urination can exacerbate the pain.
• If the organ is longer than usual and extends to the left side of the abdomen, the belly may hurt on the left.
• Chronic appendicitis is manifested by bouts of pain, which do not reach their peak and pass.

Since in chronic appendicitis, other organs are also involved in the process, it is very difficult to establish the exact location of pain.

Can nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and constipation be considered signs of appendicitis?

Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are three symptoms that usually appear shortly after the onset of abdominal pain. This malaise occurs in 90% of cases of appendicitis. Diarrhea or constipation, especially severe ones, is much less common.

All these symptoms also occur with any disease, if it is associated with the organs of the abdominal cavity, therefore, it is impossible to diagnose appendicitis by them. However, when these signs are associated with abdominal pain that worsens and migrates to the lower right quadrant within 24 hours, the diagnosis of appendicitis becomes highly probable.

The classic triad of appendicitis symptoms is abdominal pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

High fever with appendicitis

Initially, the temperature may be normal, rising to 38 degrees. with the development of inflammation. In some people, it may generally be almost normal, especially if the appendicitis has turned into chronic stage... Therefore, this symptom is not considered a defining symptom of appendicitis.

But if inflammation of the appendix has already been established, and the temperature rises sharply, this symptom indicates the onset of peritonitis. In this case, the operation is required immediately.

Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis is a laboratory sign that indicates an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood. Leukocytes are one of the most important defense cells in our the immune system... When an infection enters the body or an extensive inflammatory process begins, an increase in the production of white blood cells occurs.

More than 80% of patients with acute appendicitis have leukocytosis on blood tests. The more intense the leukocytosis, the more intense the inflammatory process.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis in infants, children, and adolescents

Appendicitis is rare in children under the age of five, it is especially rarely diagnosed before 1 year, but the pathology cannot be completely ruled out. The low incidence of appendicitis in this age group is probably due to the conical shape of the appendix, in contrast to the tubular organ in adults and older children.

With appendicitis, children are worried about: fever, vomiting, diffuse abdominal pain and abdominal stiffness are the predominant symptoms, Additional signs: irritability, wheezing, difficulty walking and complaints of pain in the right thigh.

Features of inflammation of the appendix in childhood:

• migration of pain to the right lower quadrant of the abdominal cavity occurs in less than 50% of cases;
• diarrhea and fever (37.8 - 38 degrees) are much more common than in adults.

• abdominal pain - 94%;
• fever - 90%;
• vomiting - 83%;
• loss of appetite - 74%;
• abdominal wall tension - 72%;
• diarrhea - 46%.

The clinical picture of appendicitis in adolescents is basically the same as in adults. In children under 12, the most common signs of appendicitis are abdominal pain and vomiting. The characteristic transfer of pain to the lower right quadrant may be absent.

The frequency of signs and symptoms of appendicitis in this age group is as follows:

• pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdominal cavity - 82%;
• nausea - 79%;
• loss of appetite - 75%;
• vomiting - 66%;
• fever - 47%;
• diarrhea - 16%.

Why do you need to immediately carry out an ultrasound for any abdominal pain?

Diagnosis and removal of appendicitis are two simple and inexpensive procedures that are performed in almost every clinic. And at the same time, the number of patients who died from appendicitis is surprisingly high. The main reason for this situation is the carelessness of patients who are too lazy to undergo an ultrasound scan.

• Due to untimely diagnostics associated with late treatment of patients, the inflammation takes on a catastrophic nature - the inflamed blind process festers and bursts, the contents of the abscess enters the abdominal cavity, causing purulent peritonitis.
• Atypical symptoms and pain are attributed to other causes - mild food poisoning, colds, etc. The patient begins to self-medicate, temporarily muffling the process. Chronic appendicitis is a constant source of infection in the body. Sooner or later, he will make itself felt.
• The appendix has a common lymph and blood circulation with other organs, so the infection spreads to them. Launched general inflammation is already difficult to detect on ultrasound, required different kinds surgical intervention, such as diagnostic laparoscopy.
  

This is why noticing any abdominal discomfort is imperative. Seeing that inflammation of the appendix begins, the doctor will make a printout of the results and immediately refer you to surgery. If the diagnosis is not confirmed, other pathologies will be identified, which, quite possibly, should also be treated immediately.

Of all the operations performed in the peritoneal region, the most common remains the removal of the appendix. The danger of appendicitis lies in its rapid course and the development of complications. The risk group includes children over ten years old and adults up to 30-40 years old. In young children, the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the organ is unlikely due to anatomical structure appendix (the process looks like a funnel). In older people, the process is compacted on its own, excluding the occurrence of inflammation.

How does the disease occur? Appendicitis appears against the background of an increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria inside the appendix, which is called the appendix. In a healthy human body, the process has the shape of a tube without a through hole. Length from 7 to 10 centimeters. Sometimes it is 2 cm or 20 cm. The diameter of the appendix is ​​1 cm. For a long time, a vermiform organ was considered in humans as an extra organ, a rudiment that did not fulfill its original function.

Recently, the opinion about the appointment of the appendix began to change. Numerous examinations have shown that in the process of life human body The appendix has at least three functions:

• Secretory. The organ produces two essential enzymes: lipase and amylase.
• Protective. The detection of lymphoid tissue in the layers of the appendix showed that the function of protecting the digestive tract, the so-called. "Intestinal tonsil".
• Hormonal. Inside, hormones are produced that affect the work of the sphincters and the motor activity of the intestines.

It has been noticed that people who have gone through an operation to cut out their appendicitis (appendectomy) start to get sick intestinal infections more often.

As a rule, the classic position of the appendix is ​​on the right in the lower corner of the abdomen in the iliac region. But depending on the structure of the human body, the object is located a little differently:

• The process can hide behind the cecum;
• Ascends towards the liver;
• Located on the side of the intestine;
• Located between the bowel loops;
• On the left side, with mirror placement of organs. It is rare.

Also, the location of the appendix in a pregnant woman is slightly different. During the period of fetal growth, the internal organs are displaced relative to their original position. Therefore, the appendix is ​​slightly higher than in the normal state.

Symptoms of appendicitis

A person should know on which side the appendicitis is located: on the left or on the right. This is important to understand the severity of the symptoms that appear.

The first sign of a developing disease is pain, sharp, sharp and unexpected. Where will it appear? At first, the pain syndrome looks like wandering throughout the abdomen, but gradually there is a displacement and localization on the right in the lower part of the peritoneum. Sometimes a shift is possible, it is corrected by the structure of a person.

The main signs are:

• With appendicitis, any movement is painful. It gets worse when you try to strain your stomach. The discomfort does not go away, but grows, passing into the chronic stage.
• A symptom that doctors know about, but the average person can test at home and find it. Sitkovsky's symptom is checked as follows: the patient lies on his left side. If the pain sensations intensify, they are confirmed. Additionally, a gray or white bloom is observed on the tongue. Possibly bloating.
• Due to the presence of an inflammatory process inside, the body temperature begins to rise to 37.5-38 degrees.
• Diarrhea and painful urination. Organs adjacent to appendicitis are affected by inflammation.
• The abdominal muscles are tense, palpable on palpation.
• Pain syndrome appears in the stomach area and near the navel.
• At the doctor's appointment, an additional Mendel's symptom is found. The doctor monotonously taps the anterior wall of the peritoneum, while the patient feels severe pain.

The appendicitis is excised by performing an abdominal operation under general anesthesia.

Among women

Often women confuse the emerging pain with inflammation of the genital appendages and take the appropriate medications, which reduces the possibility of promptly determining the development of the disease and taking the necessary measures.

Pregnancy makes small adjustments to the sensations and localization of the uncomfortable state. The growth of the fetus and the enlargement of the uterus causes internal organs move to the sides. Therefore, the pain can manifest itself higher than it should be.

In men

The emergence of pain in the lower right abdomen is perceived by men as a difficult situation with the bladder or kidneys. They try to get rid of the disease at home.

In children

The development of the disease in children is much faster than in adults. This is associated with insufficient development of lymphoid tissue.

The painful sensations of the child relate more to the area behind the rectum. Also, pain can be localized in the subhepatic region. This is the difference between signs in children and adults.

The discomfort is on the right side, with additional symptoms:

• The body temperature rises and stays at a level of up to 40 degrees for a long time.
• Regular gagging and painful urination.
• Increased gas production provokes bloating, diarrhea, or lack of stool.
• The pulse quickens.
• The child is restless, sleep disturbance is observed. The kid refuses to eat, cries for no apparent reason.

Scientists from Spain conducted a study and found that 40 children (under 14 years old) out of 100 admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis had eaten chips and seeds before.

When located in an atypical manner, pain can manifest itself in another place. For example, pain can come from the area where the liver is located, in the lower abdomen - where the genitals are located, below the appendix. If the process is located behind the cecum, pain will manifest itself in lumbar spine. These symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose the disease.

Other diseases

Knowing the exact location of appendicitis will help separate emerging symptoms from other diseases that have similar symptoms.

• Acute gastritis. Inflammatory process in the stomach and duodenum accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The pain is in the iliac region. The only difference is the lack of tension in the abdomen.
• Toxic infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease affects family members who dine on low-quality foods. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are also possible.
• Peptic ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer. ... First, abdominal pain, then vomiting and nausea. The upper abdomen is painful and irritated. Signs that prevent you from correctly diagnosing the cause of the discomfort. The source of pain is located in different places. With an ulcer, pain comes from the upper abdomen, with appendicitis, the right iliac region.

• Cholecystitis. Symptoms appear unexpectedly, body temperature rises, and the peritoneum is irritated. Displacement of the source of pain to the right side, to the hypochondrium. It can radiate under the scapula or into the right shoulder. Appendicitis hurts only in the right side, below.

Appendicitis is a common disease resulting from inflammation of the appendix of the cecum (appendix). It can appear in a person of any age; however, most often appendicitis occurs in people between 10 and 30 years of age.

The operation to remove acute appendicitis is not difficult at all, but neglect medical help in some cases, it is fatal: peritonitis, purulent peritonitis, blood poisoning, rupture of appendicitis - the risk of dying. But how do you distinguish inflammation of the appendix from common food poisoning or simple indigestion?

In which side is the human appendix located? On the Internet there is a widespread misconception about appendicitis: they write that its location can be anything, so there is no need to pay attention to the place of pain if inflammation is suspected. This is not entirely true. V general view appendicitis is located on the right side of the lower abdomen.

The leading symptoms in acute appendicitis are painful sensations. They can start anywhere - it seems to a person that his whole stomach hurts. After a certain period of time, pain is concentrated in the area of ​​the right lower abdomen. Acute pain in the right side periodically goes away, and then rolls over again with renewed vigor.

Exception! Although rare, the right-sided location of the heart is found, respectively, the projection of the cecum of a person will be on the left side. Pregnant women also have a different physiology: during the period of gestation, the appendicitis of the future woman in labor may change its location.

Secondary symptoms

A person does not necessarily have all possible signs of appendicitis; in some cases, inflammation can develop with very mild symptoms or symptoms belonging to other diseases (intestinal colic, food poisoning, inflammation of the appendages in women, flu, liver dysfunction). But even the slightest suspicion of a common "nuisance" is a reason for visiting a doctor.

• fever with a body temperature above 38 degrees;
• chills;
• profuse sweating;
• decreased or complete lack of appetite;
• dry mouth;
• nausea;
• manifestation of arrhythmia;
• tenesmus (false urge to defecate);
• constipation, less often loose stools, combined with frequent vomiting;
• sometimes there is frequent painful urination;
• back pain as in renal colic.

Read also:

Can a baby have appendicitis?

Methods for determining appendicitis

1. Shchetkin-Blumberg method. The person should be placed on his back and asked to slightly bend his knees. The one who checks, during palpation of the abdomen, slowly presses with his fingers on the anterior abdominal wall just below the navel and abruptly removes the fingers. In this case, the patient notes either just a feeling of discomfort or the appearance of sharp pain. If the soreness is mild and, after pressing the fingers, the nature of the pain does not change, the symptom is negative. If, when the hand is removed, the pain in the abdomen worsens, the navel or the left side radiates to the groin, the symptom is positive, which confirms the presence of appendicitis.
2. You need to ask the sick person to lie on the floor, put your hands along the body and stretch your legs straight. Then raise your left leg to an angle of 50-60 degrees. The examiner should sharply and forcefully hit the heel of the patient's raised leg with the edge of his hand. Do the same with the right leg. If, after such a check, the pain in the right side of the abdomen increases, the presence of appendicitis is confirmed.
3. The right iliac abdomen is pressed with the palm of the hand, held until the pain subsides, after which they ask the patient to laugh or cough loudly. With appendicitis, the pain will return immediately.
4. Pain with inflammation of the appendix is ​​exacerbated by walking and movement. Each subsequent step gives in to the stomach and the patient wants to reach the chair faster or even squat down. Lying on its side or twisting into a ball, the pain subsides.
5. Muscle tension in the abdomen (hard abdomen) also indicates inflammation within.

The onset of inflammation of the appendix in children is gradual. Babies with appendicitis will behave restlessly, wake up in pain at night, and may cry. Children's organism able to respond to such a disease with "cold symptoms" (cough, runny nose). When adults try to touch the belly, the child begins to resist.