Ruptured Appendix Symptoms

The appendix vermiform, or the appendix as it is regularly know outside medical circles, is a vestigial organ in the junction between the large and small intestine of the human intestinal tract. The appendix is thought to have no use by itself and is an evolutionary left over from a time when our ancestors thrived on a completely vegetable diet that also consisted of a huge portion of leaves. Because of their high cellulose content, bacteria were requisitioned to break cellulose down and it is believed that the appendix actually housed these bacteria. In modern humans, having the appendix or not having it, as after surgery, does not impair digestive functions in any way.

In some individuals, the appendix is prone to inflammation, which is caused by an obstruction like a foreign body, intestinal worms and trauma. This condition is called appendicitis. There are many stages of appendicitis and the symptoms of them are extreme pain on the lower right hand side of lower stomach area accompanied by a loss of appetite and fever. In all cases, the appendix has to be removed by surgery. If left untreated, the appendix vermiform could even rupture and the contents could spill out into the lubricating surrounding of the peritoneum that supports the entire digestive system. Once this happens, and if still left untreated, the patient would slip into shock and death would follow soon afterward. This condition of inflammation of the peritoneum is called peritonitis.

The symptoms of peritonitis which follow a ruptured appendix includes, abdominal pain, tenderness, and a stiffening of the muscles near the inflamed organs to avoid pressure that causes pain on them. More prominently, any type of movement that disturbs the digestive system like a cough, movement of the hips and the sudden release of pressure from the abdominal area can cause extreme pain. The other problems that can and mostly will arise thereafter are fever, nausea and vomiting, electrolyte imbalances, renal failure, and sepsis (whole body inflammation). In cases of peritonitis not cause by a ruptured appendix, treatment can vary from just maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance to antibiotics and, in severe cases, surgery to clean out the peritoneum of debris and repairing any damage to the surrounding tissue and organs. Peritonitis once treated is usually not fatal and patients can usually regain complete health at the end of treatment if all the debris from the peritoneum has been removed completely.