Symptoms of appendicitis in adults can vary, ranging from abdominal pain, low-grade fever, to indigestion. If not treated immediately, appendicitis is at risk of causing dangerous and life-threatening complications.
Symptoms of appendicitis or appendicitis can occur when the appendix becomes blocked due to feces, foreign bodies, infections, tumors, or even cancer. Although it can occur at any age, this condition is most common between the ages of 10 and 30.
Various Symptoms of Appendicitis in Adults
In adults with appendicitis, symptoms that can be experienced include:
Stomach pain
The most common symptom of appendicitis in adults is a sudden pain in the center of the abdomen that radiates to the lower right side, where the appendix is located. Pain will also usually be more severe when the sufferer coughs, walks, or performs various other activities.
In addition, some adults may also have appendicitis, which is located behind the large intestine, which can cause lower back or pelvic pain.
Fever
In addition to pain in the abdomen, a low-grade fever between 37.2ꟷ38 degrees Celsius can also be a symptom of appendicitis in adults.
If the fever is over 38.3 degrees Celsius and is accompanied by an increased heart rate, it could indicate that the appendix has ruptured and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications.
Indigestion
Symptoms of appendicitis in adults can also be followed by nausea, vomiting, no appetite, flatulence, constipation, or diarrhea.
Appendicitis is a disease that cannot be prevented. However, this condition is generally less common in people who eat high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables.
If you experience the symptoms of appendicitis in adults as mentioned above, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Because appendicitis is a medical emergency that almost always requires surgery to remove the inflamed appendix.
If not immediately treated, the appendix can rupture and release harmful bacteria into the abdominal cavity which can lead to complications, such as peritonitis and the formation of abscesses or pockets of pus in the abdomen. The risk of a ruptured appendix increases after 48 hours from the onset of symptoms.
For those of you who have undergone surgery to remove the appendix, there is no need to worry. Although it is part of the digestive tract, the appendix is an organ that does not have a vital function. So, you can still live a normal and healthy life without appendicitis.