Appendicitis Symptoms in Women

Appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the vermiform appendix. This condition is characterized by an acute and intense abdominal pain that begins at the navel area, and then gradually radiates to the right side of the abdomen. It can affect both men and women of any age.

In women, the condition is more common in the age group of 10 to 30 years. The appendix or the vermiform appendix is basically a small, finger-like appendage or pouch that is approximately 3.5 inches in length.

It is located at the lower right side of the abdomen, just near the junction of the small and the large intestine. The symptoms of appendicitis in women and men are more or less similar, but can be slightly different in pregnant women.

This condition is usually caused by an obstruction of the appendix by hardened feces and food waste. Such substances can get trapped inside the appendix, and create a favorable environment for bacterial growth. This can eventually cause an infection and inflammation of the organ.

Apart from foreign particles, swelling of the lymphatic tissues of the wall of the appendix can also cause a blockage. Such a blockage can harbor bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, which can cause infections. As a result, the appendix gets inflamed and filled up with pus.

Occasionally, appendicitis can be caused by gastrointestinal viral infections. Other possible causes include, a trauma or injury to the abdominal area, intestinal worms, and the formation of calcified deposits, known as 'appendicoliths'.

In general, both men and women can experience the following symptoms:

• A dull pain that begins around the navel, and then settles near the lower right side of the abdomen

• Abdominal pain that becomes more intense with time, and worsens with coughing, walking, or any sudden movement of the body
• Tenderness of the lower right abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever
• Constipation
• Abdominal swelling
• Inability to pass gas

The symptoms of appendicitis during pregnancy can be a bit different. For example, in pregnant women, this condition can cause pain in the flank or the back region in late pregnancy, instead of the lower right abdomen. This is because, the growing fetus pushes the appendix upward towards the right kidney.

Other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal swelling can be present, but these are also some of the common discomforts associated with normal pregnancy. The symptoms of appendicitis during early pregnancy are similar to those observed in non-pregnant women.

This condition is diagnosed with a physical examination of the painful area. Physicians usually apply gentle pressure on the lower right side of the abdomen, in order to look for tenderness.

If the peritoneum is inflamed due to appendicitis, then one can experience rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness is the pain that can be felt when the physician releases his or her hand after pushing the abdomen.

The physical examination may also reveal abdominal rigidity. A physical examination is often followed by blood tests to find out the count of white blood cells. An elevated count of white blood cells usually indicates an infection.

However, an elevated count of white blood cells can be normal during pregnancy. Other tests carried out for diagnosing this condition are, urine tests, and X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scan of the abdomen.

The usual treatment option for this condition is the surgical removal of the inflamed appendix. It can be carried out with the help of open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, several small incisions are made in the abdomen through which the special surgical tools are inserted into the abdomen to remove the appendix.

A laparoscope is also inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. The video camera present in the laparoscope gives a magnified image of the inside of the abdomen, to facilitate the surgical removal of the appendix.

The healing time for a laparoscopic surgery is usually less than that required in an open surgery. But if the appendix ruptures, and as a result, the infection spreads to other areas, then it has to be removed with open surgery. The pain caused by appendicitis can be managed with the help of pain medications.

If the inflamed appendix ruptures or bursts inside the abdomen, it can cause serious complications. It can spread the infection to other parts of the abdominal cavity. This can also cause the content of the intestine to leak into the abdominal cavity. All these can eventually lead to the formation of an abscess.

If such appendiceal abscess tears, it can cause a more serious and widespread infection in the abdominal cavity. Such complications can be avoided with the removal of the inflamed appendix.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.