7. Fever
Appendicitis usually causes a fever between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.5°F (38°C).
This fever is normally also accompanied by chills.
If your appendix bursts, your fever will rise to 101°F (38.3°) or above. It will also be accompanied by a higher heart rate.
8. Inability to Pass Gas
Constipation won’t just affect your ability to pass stool, but to pass gas too!
During this time, you may also experience gas pains.
9. Not Feeling “Right”
Feeling like something is “off” is one of the most common complaints among people suffering from appendicitis or a burst appendix.
Don’t ignore your gut feeling if you suspect your appendix might not be quite right.
Managing your Condition
If you experience one or more of the signs of appendicitis above, go to the clinic as soon as possible and get a proper examination. In the early stages of infection, you doctor might simply send you home with antibiotics.
Here’s what the Cleveland Clinic recommends (7):
If you are sent home:
- Do not use pain medication. This medication makes it difficult to monitor your pain and feel whether or not you’re getting better.
- Do not use enemas or laxatives as they increase the risk of a ruptured appendix.
- Take your temperature every 2 hours and keep a record. Bring it with you when you return to see the doctor. High temperature is a great indication of infection, so it’s important to keep it in check.
- Do not take antibiotics, unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Contact your doctor if you notice any change in your condition over the next 6-12 hours. The first 48 hours after infection are critical to prevent an appendix rupture.
- If you are returning for another exam, do not eat or drink anything on the day of the exam.
Call your physician immediately if:
- You have uncontrolled vomiting
- You have increased pain in your abdomen
- There is blood in your vomit or urine
- You are dizzy or faint
- Your pain becomes unbearable
As mentioned above, appendicitis is no joke, and neither are any of the signs of appendicitis on this list. Be vigilant and listen to your body, especially if you experience any pain or see any blood in your stool or vomit. Your appendix may not be necessary to your survival, but it can do a whole lot of damage if you ignore it!