WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Appendicitis (uh-pen-dih-SIGH-tis) is an inflammation of
the appendix that affects about 1 in 500 people each year. It
is most common in young adults 15 to 25 years
old.
Causes
If the appendix is blocked, an
infection occurs. An infected appendix becomes swollen,
reddened, and filled with pus.
Signs/Symptoms
Abdominal pain (usually in the
right lower side of the belly), fever, nausea, and
vomiting.
Care
It may be hard for the doctor to
decide whether you have appendicitis. You will probably need
some blood tests, plus an examination called abdominal
ultrasound. You may have surgery to remove your appendix right
away, or the operation may occur later. If your signs and
symptoms get worse, you will need to see your doctor
immediately.
Risks
You can die from untreated
appendicitis. But the risks of serious illness or death are
small if you follow your doctor's advice.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have a high temperature.
-
Your stomach pain gets worse or you are
vomiting.
-
You faint, are dizzy, or have a
headache.
-
You have blood in your stool or in your
vomit.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You feel dizzy or confused, are urinating less, or
have a dry mouth and tongue. These are signs of
dehydration.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Abdominal Ultrasound: This painless test is done
while you are lying down. A dab of a jelly-like lotion is
placed on your stomach. The person doing the test will
gently move a small handle through the lotion and across
the skin. A TV-like screen is attached to the
handle.
-
Medicines:
-
Antibiotic medicine may be given to fight
infection.
-
Pain medicine will also be prescribed. If the pain
does not go away or comes back, tell a doctor right
away.
-
These medicines may be given in your IV, as a shot,
or by mouth.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: You may be hooked up to a pulse
oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger,
or toe and is connected to a machine that measures the
oxygen in your blood.
-
Activity: You will be asked to stay in bed before
surgery except to go to the bathroom. After surgery, you
will be encouraged to get out of bed with help. As you feel
better, you can walk more.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
-
Chest X-ray: As a precaution, a picture of your
lungs and heart will be taken before
surgery.
-
After Surgery:
-
You will be returned to your hospital room when you
awake. Ask for medicine if you are having pain. You may
want to have someone stay with you to give comfort and
support.
-
You will go home as soon as you are able to eat,
drink, and care for yourself.
After You Leave
-
Always take your medicine as directed by your doctor.
If you feel it is not helping, call your doctor. Do not
quit taking it on your own.
-
If you are taking antibiotics, continue to take them
until they are all gone--even if you feel
well.
-
You will need to take your temperature
frequently.
-
Do not take a laxative (medicine to help you move
your bowels) or an enema.
-
Do not take pain or fever medicine, such as aspirin,
acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
-
Follow your doctor's advice about resting, eating, or
drinking liquids.
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