A ruptured appendix is a serious condition. It is a complication of appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) and is a medical emergency. Please continue reading to learn more about why you should seek prompt medical attention if you have symptoms of appendicitis.

What is appendicitis?

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch, about 2-4 inches long, that is attached to the large intestine (colon). It is located in the right lower abdomen. The appendix serves no real purpose. However, sometimes, it becomes blocked, infected, and inflamed. This condition is called acute appendicitis. The blood supply to the appendix gets cut off, and it starts to die and must be removed.

It is unclear what causes appendicitis symptoms. However, experts in digestive diseases say that appendicitis occurs primarily in children and young adults. Most people who develop appendicitis are between the ages of 10 and 30 years old. 

What causes a ruptured appendix?

Removing the appendix is the main treatment for appendicitis and does not cause any long-term problems. It can be done through a simple abdominal surgery called an appendectomy. 

However, left untreated, i.e., without surgical removal, the pressure increases inside the appendix. This can cause the appendix to rupture (burst) or become perforated (develop holes in its walls). 

When the appendix ruptures, it allows stool, mucus, and bacteria to escape into the abdominal cavity, causing a serious abdominal infection called peritonitis. That’s why appendicitis requires medical attention and immediate treatment from a healthcare provider and surgeon. 

Is a ruptured appendix an emergency?

Yes, a ruptured appendix is a serious medical emergency. It’s important to seek medical attention for appendicitis and have it treated promptly to prevent an appendix rupture. If appendicitis is not treated, it can lead to a ruptured appendix and a life-threatening infection. A burst appendix can be fatal if not treated right away.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

The most common symptom of appendicitis is severe abdominal pain that starts around the belly button, spreads to the lower right abdomen, and progressively worsens with time. The severe pain is typically worse with touch, movement, coughing, sneezing, and taking deep breaths. If the appendix bursts, the pain may spread all over the abdomen. 

Other common symptoms of appendicitis include fever, chills, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and a swollen belly. Gas, constipation, and diarrhea are other symptoms of appendicitis.

How do you know if your appendix has burst?

You may have a burst appendix if you have abdominal pain that started near the belly button, spread to the right lower part of your abdomen, got worse suddenly and spread across your abdomen, temporarily improved for a while, and then got worse again.

Note that it’s important to have appendicitis diagnosed by a healthcare provider. Appendicitis can look like many other health conditions, and you may not be able to tell for sure if you have this serious condition. 

Medical professionals can properly diagnose appendicitis by obtaining a history, performing a physical exam, and ordering blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.

How is appendicitis treated?

Appendicitis treatment consists of immediate surgery for the removal of the appendix. This is to prevent an appendix rupture and widespread infection of the abdominal organs. 

Surgical removal is the standard treatment for appendicitis. It can be done as a laparoscopic surgery or an open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is frequently possible, even in people with complicated appendicitis and a perforated appendix.

If you have a serious infection or the infection spreads to the abdominal cavity, your doctor may prescribe strong antibiotics to help your body fight infection. 

How long can you go with a ruptured appendix?

The appendix can rupture within 48 to 72 hours of developing appendicitis symptoms. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, even death. That’s why it’s critical to get immediate treatment if you suspect you have symptoms of appendicitis.

What are the chances of surviving a ruptured appendix?

The chances of surviving an appendix rupture are good if you get immediate medical attention and timely hospital treatment. Remember, a burst appendix is a serious, life-threatening condition that can develop within a few hours after the appendix becomes inflamed. There is nothing you can do to prevent appendicitis. However, you can learn to recognize the symptoms of appendicitis and get immediate treatment to lower your risk of a ruptured appendix.

References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543#
2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/appendicitis
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/appendicitis/#