What Side of the Body Is the Appendix on: What You Should Know

Appendicitis is a common condition that includes an inflammation of a little outpouching of the intestine, called the appendix. It begins as a clog and manifests as abdominal pain that can simulate other conditions. This is why lots of people question what side is the appendix on-to figure out if their symptoms make up a medical emergency. What side of the body is your appendix on? What are the causes, symptoms and treatments for appendicitis?

What Side of the Body Is the Appendix on

Your appendix is a small (about four inches), thin pouch that extends out in between the little and big intestines. It has a length of about 11 cm and a diameter of 7-8 mm (average). The longest appendix ever got rid of measured 26 cm from a patient in Zagreb, Croatia.

What side is the appendix on a woman and on a man? Almost same: It is located at the right lower abdominal areas. Although it was believed to be a worthless part of the digestion system, it is now known that it plays a role in safeguarding the body from infection because it includes cells with immune function.

Check the appendix location (and not only) by yourself using the video instuctions:

Problems of Appendix – Appendicitis

When the appendix is irritated, a condition called appendicitis ensues. The reaction produces pus, which results in severe pain that starts around the navel (belly button) and later on shifts to the right lower abdomen. The pain magnifies within several hours (12-18 typically) and ends up being severe. This condition generally affects children and young people, although it can take place at any age.

Appendicitis Symptoms

The typical signs and symptoms of appendicitis include:

Abdominal pain that begins near the navel and later localizes at the right lower abdominal areas (now you know what side is the appendix on)

Pain ends up being sharp in character after several hours
Abdominal inflammation when pressure is applied to the right lower abdominal areas
A sharp pain felt when the right lower abdominal area is pushed and rapidly released. This is called rebound tenderness

Coughing, walking and other motions increase the pain
Abdominal swelling
Loss of appetite

Queasiness and vomiting
Low-grade fever
Inability to pass gas

Constipation
Diarrhea

When to See a Doctor

It is suggested to look for consultation when abdominal pain is severe, such that you/your child can not sit still or you are uncomfortable in any position.

Information verified by the iytmed.com team.

Causes

Although yet uncertain, appendicitis might be connected to:

An intense obstruction in the opening of the appendix, which might consist of food or feces

An acute infection such as an intestinal viral infection or other types of intense inflammation

In either case, bacteria discovered inside your appendix can increase rapidly, leading to inflammation and swelling. These can result in rupture of the appendix if not instantly treated.

Complications

Serious complications can happen when acute appendicitis is not dealt with. These include:

Rupture of the appendix, leading to leakage of digestive contents into the abdominal cavity, and resulting in peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity).
Abdominal abscess, which arises from the development of a pocket of pus around your appendix. The abscess could tear and cause a prevalent infection in the abdominal cavity.

Treatments for Appendicitis Symptoms

Surgery

Surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy) may be performed either as an open abdominal incision (5-10 cm) or through a laparoscopic incision (1-2 cm) using special devices attached to a video camera. Open surgery is typically indicated for burst appendix and cleaning of the abdominal cavity while laparoscopic appendectomy is done for straightforward appendicitis. Laparoscopy leads to faster recovery and much shorter health center stay.

You are required to stay in the medical facility a couple of days after your appendectomy surgery.

Also read: Appendix Surgery Side Effects

Draining of the abscess

For ruptured appendix, surgeons must drain the abscess using a tube put through the skin into the abdomen. Appendectomy is carried out weeks later on when the infection is managed.

Medications

Antibiotics and pain medications to manage discomfort after appendectomy are recommended.

Complementary and alternative treatment can also help manage symptoms, consisting of listening to music and directed images to take your mind off the pain.

Home Remedies

Attempt these home remedies during recovery from surgery:

Rest for 3-5 days and sleep well. Avoid doing difficult activities. People who undergo open appendectomy may need longer rest (10-14 days). Sleep when you are tired.
Abdominal assistance. Utilizing a pillow, use pressure to your abdominal area whenever you laugh, cough, or do other movements to lower pain.
Start doing light activities when you are ready. Consult your doctor about going back to work or school. Children may be able to return to school within a week after surgery, but physical education or sports, should be limited for two to 4 weeks after surgery.

Call the doctor if you need more pain control or have: