What happens if appendix pops

Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of appendicitis often mimic those of other conditions, making it a difficult ailment to self-diagnose. Additionally, appendicitis symptoms may initially be subtle or confusing, particularly in pregnant women and older patients. In infants and children, appendicitis is often mistaken for a stomach bug and left untreated, leading to dangerous complications.

To avoid worsening symptoms and more serious infections, it is important to understand how to identify the signs of appendicitis and when a visit to the ER is necessary. The most common symptoms of appendicitis include:. If you think you or your loved one may be experiencing appendix pain or other symptoms of appendicitis, it is important to visit your nearest Frisco or Fort Worth ER immediately.

When appendicitis is left untreated, bacteria and pus begin to build up in the appendix and cause it to swell. Ultimately, the wall of the appendix is compromised, allowing the pus and other bacteria to ooze out into the abdominal cavity. Additionally, the infected contents that have seeped out of your appendix may cause peritonitis, which is an infection of the peritoneum, the silk-like membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.

The inflammation and pain will spread throughout your abdomen, and become worse with any kind of movement. Other symptoms of peritonitis can include:. In most cases of peritonitis, a surgeon will remove your appendix immediately and clean the inside of your abdomen to prevent infection. Doctors sometimes try to treat the abscess or peritonitis with antibiotics and drainage before conducting an appendectomy.

Treatments usually involve draining any pus from the abdomen and fighting the infection with strong antibiotics for several weeks. A research review published in June by the Cochrane Database compared early versus delayed appendectomy in cases of complicated appendicitis.

They concluded that more and better-quality data — concerning length of hospital stay and health-related quality of life outcomes — is needed to determine what benefits or harms there might be in early versus delayed appendectomy.

A ruptured appendix can actually lead to death in some cases. If it's left untreated, peritonitis can quickly spread, resulting in septicemia, or bacteria in the blood. Your body releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight this infection, triggering an inflammatory response throughout the body called sepsis. A cascade of reactions will follow, eventually causing septic shock , which includes severely low blood pressure and can ultimately lead to multiple organ failure and, in the worst-case scenario, death.

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: May 30, Medically Reviewed. Other appendicitis symptoms include: Nausea Vomiting Constipation Diarrhea Inability to pass gas Loss of appetite Abdominal swelling The standard treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the appendix.

In rare cases about 1 in , an abscess can form as a complication of surgery to remove the appendix. Abscesses can sometimes be treated using antibiotics, but in most cases the pus needs to be drained from the abscess.

This can be carried out under ultrasound or CT guidance. You'll be given a local anaesthetic and a needle will be inserted through your skin, followed by the placement of a drain. If an abscess is found during surgery, the area is carefully washed out and a course of antibiotics is given. Page last reviewed: 18 February Next review due: 18 February These are signs your appendix may have burst.