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PU⏳ Delay = Danger! Appendicitis can turn fatal fast.
Appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-like structure attached to the large intestine. It is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain requiring emergency surgery.
🔍 How does it start?
It usually begins with obstruction of the appendix lumen (due to fecolith, lymphoid hyperplasia, infection, or rarely tumors). This leads to increased pressure, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation, which can rapidly worsen.
⚠️ Classic Symptoms (Don’t Miss These!)
• Pain starting around the umbilicus → later shifting to right lower abdomen (McBurney’s point)
• Loss of appetite (Anorexia)
• Nausea & vomiting
• Low-grade fever
• Pain worsens on movement, coughing, or walking
💡 Important Clinical Signs
• Rebound tenderness
• Guarding & rigidity
• Positive Rovsing’s sign / Psoas sign
💥 Why is it dangerous?
If not treated early, the appendix may rupture (perforation) leading to:
• Peritonitis (infection of abdominal cavity)
• Abscess formation
• Can become life-threatening
🧪 Diagnosis
• Clinical examination is key
• Blood tests → ↑ WBC count
• Ultrasound / CT scan for confirmation
🔪 Treatment
• Emergency appendectomy (surgical removal)
• Antibiotics to control infection
Early treatment = complete recovery
Delay = serious complications
🚨 Golden Point:
Not every stomach pain is simple gastritis. Right lower abdominal pain + fever = Think appendicitis first!
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