Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. Roughly 5-percent of Americans will experience it at some point in their lives. It can also be acute or chronic.
If appendicitis is left untreated it can cause your appendix to burst. When this happens, bacteria can spill into your abdominal cavity. If this occurs, you must seek emergency care right away as it can be very serious and in some cases, even fatal. To help you recognize if you’re experiencing appendicitis, here’s everything you should know including the common symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Acute Appendicitis vs. Chronic Appendicitis
Chronic and acute appendicitis will have similar symptoms but there are some key differences worth noting. An individual with acute appendicitis will develop sudden and severe symptoms, usually over a 24 to 48-hour period. The symptoms are so severe you can’t ignore them and they require immediate emergency attention.
Chronic appendicitis, on the other hand, entails symptoms that last for a long time and usually come and go. “If chronic appendicitis is not diagnosed, the person can continue to experience symptoms for years,” says Medical News Today.
Recurring pain in your lower abdomen can be a symptom of many underlying conditions. So, it’s important you talk to your doctor to determine the cause.