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By Jeffrey Peebles, M.D. – Southlake MedicalbrDirector, CompletebrCare
While experts are notbrparticularly certain why we have an appendix, one thing is for sure – if itbrbursts, that can lead to huge problems. When the appendix becomes inflamed,brthat is a condition known as appendicitis. If the inflammation gets bad enough,brthe appendix can burst and fill the abdominal cavity with potentiallybrlife-threatening infectious material. Should you notice any of the symptoms ofbrthis problem, you need to get to your nearest Complete Care emergency medical facility as quickly as you can.
Abdominal Discomfort
This is the symptom mostbrclosely associated with appendicitis. If you notice a dull pain near your bellybrbutton that migrates to the lower right area of your stomach, then you shouldbrbe worried. The reason is that an attack of appendicitis could be imminent. Youbrshould also get to a medical facility if your abdomen is painful to the touch,bror you have pain that is accompanied by fever, aching, chills, nausea, backbrpain or a decreased appetite.
Other Symptoms
While abdominal pain is thebrmost typical symptom, there can be others as well. For example, if it isbrpainful to urinate, you experience severe cramping or constipation, or you havebrdiarrhea with gas, you should consider visiting a doctor. This is also the casebrif you have a sharp or dull pain in the rectum, back, or lower or upperbrabdomen.
If you have any reasonbrwhatsoever to believe you have appendicitis, do not hesitate to get medical help. Do not try to “ride out” the pain, and do not use a heating pad,brlaxative or antacids, because these could cause a rupture.
Treatment
The most common treatmentbrfor appendicitis is removal of the appendix, also known as an appendectomy.brYour doctor will very likely opt for the safest possible course of action, andbrthat is removing the appendix quickly to avoid the possibility of a rupture. Inbrsome instances, one procedure is performed to drain any abscesses that may havebrformed, and then another is performed to take out the organ.
If you come down with an attack of appendicitis or youbrever experience any kind of medical emergency, get in touch with the experts atbrComplete Care. Contact us online to learnbrmore.
Dr. Jeffrey Peebles, M.D. has an extensive amount ofbrexperience in delivering advanced emergency care. He is board certified withbrthe American Board of Emergency Medicine, and a member of the American Collegebrof Emergency Physicians/Texas College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Peebles isbrcommitted to providing timely, affordable and high-quality medical care to thebrSouthlake community.