Appendicitis — whether you have an abscessed appendix or a burst appendix — is a serious health emergency that requires surgery. There are several “classic” symptoms of appendicitis that appear in most people: A dull pain near the belly button or in the upper abdomen. The pain becomes sharper as it moves towards the lower right side of the abdomen. This is often the first sign of a problem. Loss of appetite. Nausea and/or vomiting that begins shortly after the abdominal pain appears. Abdominal swelling. A fever between 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. An inability to pass gas. In addition … Continue reading →

Do you know what your appendix does? I don’t. Most experts aren’t absolutely certain about what this tiny tube of tissue does. What is it? The appendix is a three and a half inch long tube of tissue that extends from the large intestine. An inflammation of the appendix — also known as appendicitis — is a serious medical emergency! Left untreated, an inflamed appendix will eventually burst. The perforation of the tissue allows infectious materials to enter the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity lining that can be fatal. An abscessed appendix is a serious … Continue reading →