Lower abdominal pain: It may be a sign of appendicitis 25^th January 2023

Abdominal pain is a prevalent issue of concern worldwide. The common causes of abdominal pain are gas, indigestion, and constipation. They don’t require urgent medical care, and you can get relief in a few hours. However, there may be more serious causes of abdominal pain, like urinary tract infections, kidney stones or infections, and even appendicitis which can be serious.

These are some causes for which you must seek immediate medical help. If the cause for your lower abdominal pain is an inflamed appendix, more often than not, you may have to undergo appendix surgery. The surgery cost is high, making it essential to buy health insurance online. While health insurance covers medical expenses, taking precautionary measures and being aware of its symptoms is necessary.

Let us understand lower abdominal pain caused because of appendicitis more clearly.

What is appendicitis?

Our large intestine has a pouch-like structure at its beginning, known as the appendix. The appendix sometimes becomes inflamed and fills with pus, causing immense pain. This situation is called appendicitis. It is treated with antibiotics and must be removed through surgery.

You should not ignore severe and persistent lower abdominal pain as it may be a sign of appendicitis. It can be dangerous and result in a ruptured appendix that can cause severe infection when ignored.

What are some common symptoms of appendicitis?

If you regularly suffer pain in your right lower abdomen area for a prolonged period, it is time for you to visit a good doctor. Also, the severity of pain eventually increases if not diagnosed early. Other symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite.

What are the associated risks of appendicitis?

When the appendix becomes blocked and inflamed, bacteria multiply in it. The appendix can start swelling, along with pus formation. This causes painful pressure in the lower abdomen. It can also block blood flow. Not only does appendicitis cause immense pain and trouble, but bacteria can spill into the abdominal cavity with the bursting of the appendix. This can result in developing life-threatening infections.

The pain caused by appendicitis is usually so severe that it can even wake us from sleep. It can worsen within just a few hours and may require immediate hospitalisation.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

There is no specific test to diagnose appendicitis. The doctor first understands the symptoms and your medical history. He will physically check for swelling or rigidity of the lower right part of the abdomen. He may also perform a digital rectal examination.

The doctor may ask you to get a few more tests done to ascertain the occurrence of appendicitis. This may include blood tests, urine tests, and abdominal imaging tests.

How to prevent appendicitis?

There is no way by which we can fully prevent appendicitis and the subsequent pain that it causes in the lower abdomen. But having a high-fibre diet can help reduce the chances of appendicitis. Additionally, increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, beans and other legumes, split peas, brown rice, whole wheat, oatmeal, and whole grains. Consider the intake of some fibre supplements with the approval of your general physician to ensure a well-balanced diet.

One should never ignore lower abdominal pain as it can be a sign of appendicitis. The pain and uneasiness can lead to fatal infections. Since such ailments are beyond control, one should focus on safeguarding their health. Buy health insurance online with comprehensive protection to cover the costs of treating appendicitis without feeling a pinch on one’s wallet.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.