Appendix pain is the pain arising in the appendix located on the right side of the lower abdominal region. Appendix pain mainly occurs as a result of inflammation in the appendix, called appendicitis. An appendix is a finger-like structure or pouch projecting out from the end of the colon. Appendix pain increases when there is an increase in the inflammation of the appendix.
What is Appendix Pain
Appendix pain is the sudden pain in the right side of the abdominal region that begins from the navel and traverses to the lower abdomen. The appendix pain is felt intensely as a person walks or coughs.
Types of Appendix Pain
Acute pain due to appendicitis – Appendix pain and other symptoms of appendicitis appear suddenly and are more severe.
Chronic pain due to appendicitis – Appendix pain and other appendicitis symptoms last longer than 48 hours but are comparatively mild and may go undetected or undiagnosed for weeks, months, or even years.
Causes of Appendix Pain
- 1. Appendicitis (inflamed appendix)
- 2. Injury to abdomen
- 3. Blockage of appendix lining
- 4. IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
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How Appendix Occurs?
Appendicitis occurs as a result of a blockage in the appendix lining that connects with the intestine. The blockage causes infection leading to inflammation, swelling, pus, and pain in the appendix. The rapid growth and multiplication of micro-organisms inside the appendix may lead to appendix rupture.
Symptoms
- 1. Sudden abdominal pain (significantly on the right side)
- 2. Nausea
- 3. Vomiting
- 4. Abdominal bloating
- 5. Loss of appetite
- 6. Constipation
- 7. Diarrhoea
- 8. Fever
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Diagnosis
It is important to diagnose abdominal pain as appendix pain, as there can be various reasons for abdominal pain. Usually, it is the location of the appendix that decides that the patient has appendix pain, and some other tests are done to diagnose appendicitis like:
- 1. Blood test – To examine the infection of the appendix.
- 2. Ultrasound – To check for swelling due to appendicitis
- 3. CT scan – To visualize the detailed images of the appendix and surrounding organs.
- 4. MRI scan – To look for inflamed appendix in pregnant ladies.
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DO’s
- 1. Apply a heating pad to the abdomen
- 2. Consume small and lighter meals
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DONT’s
- 1. Avoid fatty meals
- 2. Cut off the intake of refined sugars
- 3. Do not take laxatives or antacids
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Treatments
Non Surgical Treatments
Appendix pain due to appendicitis can be treated non-surgically only if the problem is mild. Furthermore, non-surgical options for teh treatment of the appendix are recommended by the doctors if the surgery cannot be done for other health problems. Some of the non-surgical treatments for appendix pain are:
- 1. Antibiotics – To prevent infections of the appendix.
- 2. NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) – To relieve pain in the abdomen until appendix removal surgery.
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Surgical Treatments
Appendectomy
The surgery to remove the appendix is called an appendectomy, which is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgery can be done either using surgical procedure:
Open traditional surgery
There are some cases where traditional open surgery is recommended to remove the appendix, like in case the appendix is burst. The open surgery includes one major incision made in the abdomen for appendix removal. The recovery time after open surgery is comparatively more.
Keyhole or laparoscopic appendectomy
It is the preferred surgical procedure for the treatment of appendix pain due to appendicitis, which can only be cured by removing the appendix. In the keyhole procedure, 3-4 small incisions are made in teh lower abdomen, and a laparoscope is inserted along with a small surgical tool that helps remove the appendix.
Risk And Complications
Intense appendix pain can cause serious health complications as a result of an appendix burst. The inflamed appendix may burst within the abdominal region, eventually infecting the peritoneum. The condition in which the peritoneum gets infected is called peritonitis. Other complications arising from appendix pain caused by appendicitis are:
- 1. Damage to internal organs
- 2. Rapid heart rate
- 3. Abdominal swelling
- 4. Intense abdominal pain
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If Left Untreated
If the appendix pain is left untreated, it worsens with time. The inflamed appendix may burst and cause a serious health threat.
Cost
Starting price of appendectomy (appendix removal surgery) in India is ₹30,000. The average cost of appendix surgery is between ₹50,000 to ₹60,000. The cost may vary depending on the type of surgical procedure, hospital facilities, and the city chosen for the surgery.
Insurance Coverage
Treatment for appendix pain done using appendix surgery is covered by health insurance. The insurance
Most of the time, the insurer will cover a particular amount for surgical treatment of the fistula. However, the amount to be covered under insurance depends on the type of policy.
It is important to know that medical treatment for fistula will not be covered under the insurance policy, it will only cover the cost or expenses of the surgical treatment, but to claim this, you will have to be hospitalized for 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. How does a person feel appendix pain?
Appendix pain is suddenly felt on the right side of the abdomen. It begins from the navel and runs towards the lower abdomen and can worsen over time. Appendix pain is felt intensely while coughing or walking.
Q.2. Does appendix pain last longer?
Appendix pain usually lasts for 1-2 days and may extend to several weeks or months.
Q.3. Do appendix pain resolve with time?
Appendix pain resolves with time if it is acute appendix pain. But in a large number of cases, chronic pain needs doctor consultation and treatment.
Q.4. Should I be concerned about pain in the right side of the abdomen?
It is always advised to consult a doctor or general physician about the persisting pain in the abdomen, especially if it is in the lower right side. Ignorance can lead to complications.
Q.5. How to check for appendix pain?
Appendix pain can be checked at home by looking for the following indications:
Pain at the right side of the belly, swelling in the region of pain, nausea, loss of appetite, inability to pass gas, and fever.
Q.6. Is appendix pain fluctuating?
The appendix pain may or may not fluctuate. It begins from the mid-abdominal region travelling towards the right, and can become severe or remain constant.
Q.7. How long does an appendix surgery take?
Appendix surgery takes an hour or two to complete. The appendix surgery is performed only after an appropriate diagnosis of appendix pain.
Q.8. Can a person walk after undergoing appendix surgery?
Walking is not advised immediately after surgery. It is recommended to walk after 24 hours of appendix surgery.
Q. 9. How will I know that abdominal pain is due to gas or appendicitis?
Pain due to appendicitis is localized to the lower abdominal region and mainly the right side. In contrast, pain because of gas can be felt anywhere in the abdomen or the chest region and does not require any treatment.
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