Symptoms of appendicitis in adults

Appendix is ​​called a vermiform appendage of the cecum, and the inflammatory process that develops in this part of the intestine is classified as appendicitis.It is noteworthy that the clinical picture with the progression of the inflammatory process in the appendix of the cecum may be variable - most often the diagnosis of appendicitis does not present difficulties, but often the symptoms can be poorly expressed.

Table of contents: Acute appendicitis Chronic appendicitis When urgent medical attention is required Recommended to read:

Acute appendicitis

The course of the inflammatory process in the appendix of the cecum in the acute form of development differs in stages. Doctors distinguish several stages / stages of appendicitis development in acute form:

1. Catarrhal inflammatory process - pathology is localized only in the mucous membrane of the appendix of the cervical appendix of the cecum.
2. Superficial inflammation - pathology progresses, lesions of the mucous membrane of the affected area of ​​the intestine are formed.At this stage of development of the disease in question, a small amount of blood can be detected in the luminal appendix of the cecum.
   instagram viewer
3. Phlegmonous inflammatory process - all layers of the appendix are subjected to pathological changes, up to the outer layer of the appendix of the appendix of the cecum.This stage can be characterized by the appearance of ulcerative formations on the mucosa of the appendix - in this case, phlegmonous ulcer inflammation is determined.
4. Gangrenous inflammation - the walls of the vermiform appendix of the cecum become necrotic, their perforation( rupture) takes place, which leads to the outflow of the contents of the inflamed appendix into the abdominal cavity.It is the stage of the gangrenous appendix that is dangerous for the patient's life - he is rapidly developing peritonitis.

Most often, the time of development of the stages of appendicitis flows quickly, therefore at the first signs of acute appendicitis the patient should seek medical help.

Symptoms of acute appendicitis:

1. Pain syndrome.It is pain that is the primary symptom of acute appendicitis, it can be blunt and constant, located either slightly above the navel, or in the right ileal region.As a rule, the pain becomes more intense when walking, practicing physical training, sneezing and coughing, but in old age the pain syndrome may be absent altogether.

Note: if there is an atypical location of the appendix( due to anatomical features), then the pain syndrome in the development of an acute inflammatory process can have a localization in the lumbar region, left under the ribs, in the zone of the external genitalia.

1. The pain can be intense, then stop for a while.But if the pain syndrome, characteristic of acute appendicitis, completely disappeared, then this may mean loss of functionality by nerve endings - a clear sign of gangrenous appendicitis.
2. Nausea and vomiting.This condition is not permanent, more often patients note the presence of nausea and vomiting only once.Neither nausea, nor vomiting never precede the onset of pain syndrome, but only accompany it.
3. Language.The patient clearly has a white coating on his tongue, and if the development of an acute inflammatory process in the appendix of the cecum is just beginning, then the tongue will be wet.A dangerous symptom is a dry tongue, which may indicate the spread of the inflammatory process to the peritoneum.
4. Hyperthermia.Most often, the body temperature in patients with the development of acute appendicitis remains within normal limits, in rare cases, hyperthermia within 37-38 degrees.If the body temperature is above these values, then this may mean progression of the inflammatory process.

Other symptoms of appendicitis in adults:

1. Stool disorder.As a rule, it is within normal limits, but in the elderly, acute inflammation of the appendix may be accompanied by constipation, and if the appendix is ​​located in the area of ​​the small intestine loop, diarrhea( diarrhea) will be noted.By the way, it is diarrhea with such anatomical location of the appendix that can cause the wrong diagnosis and direction of the patient to the infectious disease department of the medical institution.
2. Sleep disturbance.This is a natural process, because the patient has insomnia due to constant pain.
3. Disturbance of appetite.Patients either completely refuse food, or use it in too small quantities.

Chronic appendicitis

This form of development of the inflammatory process in the appendix of the cecum is very rarely diagnosed.The only symptom of chronic appendicitis is a recurring dull pain in the left ileal region.Diagnosis of the considered form of the inflammatory process is difficult, therefore, only experts can reveal pathology when examining the patient( ultrasound, laparoscopy, computed tomography).

Note: character of the pain syndrome, its appearance time and the general condition of the patient may also indicate the development of other pathologies in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.For example, the symptoms will be identical to the signs of chronic cholecystitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, pyelonephritis.

The main danger of chronic appendicitis is a high risk of peritonitis.Therefore, if there is pain in the right iliac region, and even more so when the background elevated body temperature, you should immediately seek help from doctors.

When urgent medical attention is required

Since the symptoms of appendicitis in adults can be "lubricated", not to have high intensity, it is worthwhile to know when to call for doctors urgently.

First, emergency help is needed for patients who have a fever in their right iliac region.

Secondly, if the pain begins to increase when walking, running, squatting, sneezing or coughing, accompanied by nausea and / or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, then this is an absolute reason for seeking professional help.

Thirdly, if the patient touches the stomach and clearly feels the involuntary tension of his muscles, then urgent medical attention will also be required.

Symptoms of appendicitis in adults - an indisputable reason to call the ambulance team, and, without delay.

Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical reviewer, therapeutist of the highest qualification category.