Appendicitis is a widespread pathology that affects approximately 7% of the world’s population, which is why it is considered one of the leading medical emergencies in the world. In general, this alteration is present between the ages of 10 and 30, but it can appear at any age, although it is not very common for children under two years of age to be affected by this disease.
As the appendix is located near other organs of the abdomen or pelvis, the symptoms of this pathology can be confused with other diseases, so it is essential to consult a doctor to get a correct diagnosis.
Although there is general symptomatology of this pathology, they can vary. That is why the following FastlyHealarticle will detail the symptoms of appendicitis in women.
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The most common symptom of appendicitis: is abdominal pain.
Many people wonder where the appendix is, on the right or left; the fact is that this question is usually asked to know if abdominal pain may be due to this condition.
As the appendix is a poorly innervated organ, when appendicitis begins, it is challenging to locate the discomfort at an exact point. Although this organ is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, the abdominal pain of appendicitis in women during the first hours can be felt around the navel.
Abdominal discomfort is the most common symptom of this infectious disease called appendicitis. Although some women may confuse it with pain caused by premenstrual syndrome or menstruation, unlike this, the pain can increase considerably:
- Upon palpation
- When the patient coughs
- When the woman performs some type of very abrupt movement in which the abdomen is compromised.
Loss of appetite, dizziness, and vomiting in appendicitis
Loss of appetites such as vomiting and dizziness are symptoms that appear immediately after abdominal pain in people suffering from appendicitis. They occur in 90% of patients with this disease.
Although vomiting, dizziness, and lack of appetite can be associated with many alterations in health, they are accompanied by the appearance of pain in the periumbilical abdomen that intensifies and moves to the lower right quadrant. It is characteristic of appendicitis in women.
Symptoms of appendicitis in women: fever
During the first hours of the evolution of appendicitis in women, fever may be present, although this symptom is much more frequent in the elderly and young children. Some people may develop a low fever of 38 ° C.
It is not very common to observe appendicitis patients with a high fever. However, it can happen in difficult situations when there is a perforation of the appendix and causes an outflow of fecal matter that travels all the intestines to the abdominal cavity. In these cases, severe infection and an inflammatory reaction also occur.
Constipation or diarrhea
Diarrhea in women with appendicitis can be a very unusual symptom; however, in some cases, it may appear, so it is essential to take it into account if there are other symptoms to obtain a correct diagnosis. What is usually more common in patients with appendicitis is a considerable increase in the frequency of bowel movements.
The same happens with constipation since it is not a very frequent symptom, but it does not mean that there are no cases of appendicitis in which the patient is constipated. That is why it is essential to carry out a medical consultation in the presence of any type of symptomatology to obtain the diagnosis and carry out the appropriate treatment.
High white blood cells in appendicitis
It is known as leukocytes or white blood cells defense cells of the immune system produced in the body. If a person is going through an inflammatory process or an infection, the body is responsible for increasing the production of white blood cells, causing leukocytosis.
More than 80% of cases in women who have appendicitis have leukocytosis that can be seen by a blood count test done in a laboratory. If it is an extensive leukocytosis, the inflammatory process that the appendicitis patient goes through will also be comprehensive, an alarm that indicates that we may be facing septicemia.
Causes of appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix leads to complications from the possible obstruction of mucous secretions and the increase in their size, putting pressure on nearby arteries and veins, which results in the rupture of the appendix, blockage, or decreased blood flow, and even gangrene. For this reason, it is necessary to pay attention to the leading causes, including:
- Microorganisms and parasites.
- Fecaloma, or appendicolith, accumulates hardened stool in the colon or rectum.
- Tumors
- Ingestion of a foreign body.
- Lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, that is, the increase in the size of the follicles that are distributed in some areas of the gastrointestinal tract.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Symptoms of appendicitis in women, we recommend that you enter our category of Digestive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.