On which side is the appendix and symptoms of appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation or infection of the appendix and is a medical emergency. should be treated immediately to avoid complications serious. However, there are people who have doubts when it comes to identifying it: which side is the appendix on? What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting… are some of the symptoms of appendicitisa condition that is estimated to affect between 7% and 14% of the population and that occurs especially between the second and third decade of life.

On which side is the appendix and what is it for?

He appendix is a small, tube-shaped organ found at the beginning of the colon (near where it joins the small intestine), in the lower right abdomen.

It is believed that in our ancestors the appendix was part of an organ in charge of digesting cellulose and that helped digest fooda function that has been lost today.

Although traditionally it has been believed that it no longer fulfilled any function in our body and is only a reminiscence of the past, the latest research suggests that plays an important role in the immune systemsince it can produce antibodies that help the body to deal with infections.

could also serve as storehouse of beneficial bacteria that, should an infection delete or alter the microbiota from our gut, they could re-colonize it. In fact, some studies suggest that people who have had their appendix removed may be more prone to certain intestinal infections caused by bacteria.

The most common disease related to the appendix is appendicitisan inflammation of the appendix that can occur at any age, although it is most common between the ages of 10 and 30.

Causes of appendicitis

The main cause of appendicitis is obstruction of the appendix by feces that move through the intestine. This obstruction leads to the accumulation of bacteria within the appendix, causing it to become infected and inflamed.

Other possible causes of appendicitis are colitis (inflammation of the colon), the inflammation of the lymphatic tissue in the appendix or obstruction of the appendix by a foreign body (such as a seed or piece of food).

If it’s not treated fast, the appendix may eventually rupture and provoke a peritonitis, that is, inflammation of the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs (peritoneum). The infection can spread to the bloodstream, which can lead to life-threatening complications (sepsis).

The main treatment for appendicitis is removal of the appendix (appendectomy), either by open or laparoscopic surgery.

symptoms of appendicitis

The symptoms of appendicitis, on many occasions, occur in the same order: first, a sudden pain around the belly button, which can fluctuate and come and go for several hours. As the infection progresses, the pain increases, which can become very intense and increases when the person moves or coughsand may appear nausea and vomiting. After a few hours, the nausea usually subsides and the pain going down to the lower right part of the abdomenwhere is the appendix.

Other symptoms of appendicitis that there may also be:

Fever.General discomfortlack of energy and tiredness.loss of appetite.Increased urge to urinate.Diarrhea or constipation.swollen belly (may be a sign that the disease has progressed and the appendix has ruptured).

Not everyone with appendicitis experiences these signs. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are less likely to have the typical symptoms of appendicitis.