When a doctor suspects appendicitis, a surgeon may need to remove the appendix to prevent a burst appendix. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms and causes of a burst appendix.
We also discuss the possible treatments for a burst appendix. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. Inflammation usually happens when there is an obstruction in the appendix, and bacteria cannot escape.
The accumulation of bacteria in the appendix causes the immune system to activate, and the process of inflammation begins. Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain that needs surgery in the United States. However, appendicitis can happen at any age. The first symptom of appendicitis is usually severe and sudden pain in the abdomen.
It often begins near the belly button and then moves lower and to the right. The pain may become more intense within the next few hours and become worse by moving, coughing, sneezing, or taking deep breaths. Children may complain of pain around the middle of the belly near the belly button. Younger children are at a higher risk of a burst appendix, as they may not be able to talk clearly about their symptoms. Appendicitis can have more than one cause, and in many cases, doctors may not know the exact reason for appendicitis.
The condition typically occurs when part of the appendix becomes obstructed, or blocked. If there is an obstruction in the appendix, bacteria will get trapped and begin to multiply, causing an infection. This can lead to the formation of pus and swelling, which can cause painful pressure in the abdomen.
If not treated promptly and appropriately, the pressure will continue to build, causing the appendix to swell. The swelling may lead to part of the appendix dying due to a lack of blood supply. With significant inflammation, pressure, and cell death, the appendix may burst. When the appendix bursts, the bacteria and pus leak into the abdomen.
When this spillage occurs, it can cause peritonitis , which can be fatal without rapid treatment. Click here to learn more about other potential causes of pain in the lower right abdomen.
Diagnosing appendicitis accurately and efficiently can reduce complications. However, with more than half of all people with appendicitis not presenting with typical symptoms, doctors can find it difficult to make a diagnosis. To diagnose appendicitis, doctors will review the symptoms the individual is experiencing and their medical history to potentially rule out other health issues. During the physical exam, the doctor may look for :. If necessary, the doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an abdominal ultrasound , MRI , or CT scan.
Doctors may consider intravenous antibiotics as first-line therapy for some people. Antibiotic treatment may be sufficient for certain mild cases. The standard treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, which is surgery to remove the inflamed appendix before it bursts.
As this happens, pressure builds and the appendix swells. Eventually, it swells so much that the blood supply to part of the appendix gets cut off. That part of the wall then dies. A hole or tear develops in the dead wall. The high pressure pushes the bacteria and pus into the abdominal cavity.
So, a ruptured appendix usually oozes or leaks into the abdomen, rather than bursting like a balloon. The symptoms of appendicitis can be similar to those of other conditions that affect the abdomen, such a stomach flu or ovarian cyst.
For this reason, it can be hard to tell if you have appendicitis. If you have these symptoms and think you have appendicitis, get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt treatment is essential to avoid rupture. Rupture can occur within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms. The classic symptoms of appendicitis are pain starting around the belly button followed by vomiting.
Several hours later, the pain moves to the lower abdomen on the right side. One study found only about half of the people who get appendicitis have these classic symptoms. The pain is often spread out all over the abdomen in babies and children.
In pregnant and older people, the abdomen may be less tender and pain may be less severe. Once your appendix ruptures, symptoms vary depending on what happens. At first, you may actually feel better for a few hours because the high pressure in your appendix is gone along with your original symptoms. When bacteria leave the intestine and enter the abdominal cavity, the lining on the inside of your abdomen and outside of abdominal organs become inflamed.
This condition is called peritonitis. The symptoms will be similar to those for appendicitis, except:. When this is successful, it forms an abscess. This is a closed off collection of bacteria and pus. Symptoms of an abscess are also similar to those for appendicitis, except:.
When left untreated, the bacteria from a ruptured appendix can get into your bloodstream, causing a serious condition called sepsis.
This is inflammation that occurs throughout your entire body. Some of the symptoms of sepsis are:. The treatment for a ruptured appendix is removal of your appendix through surgery.
Once the infection is clear, you'll have surgery to remove the appendix. In some cases, the abscess is drained, and the appendix is removed immediately. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Appendicitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Appendicitis The appendix is a narrow, finger-shaped pouch that projects out from the colon.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Appendicitis. Accessed May 4, Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix.
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