Appendicitis is a medical condition wherein the appendix is inflamed. It can then burst and in this case considered a medical emergency.
Causes Of Ruptured Appendix
- The primary cause would be appendicitis. When the appendix is inflamed, it becomes filled with pus and other inflammatory debris like white blood cells. It then becomes distended and bursts.
- The contraction of the intestines (medically termed peristalsis) that move the digested food for excretion during appendicitis is another cause. This is the reason why people diagnosed with appendicitis are strictly prohibited from taking anything by mouth.
Ruptured Appendix Symptoms
Symptoms of ruptured appendix may include one or all of the following:
- In appendicitis, a sharp, stabbing pain is felt at the right lower quadrant of the abdomen where the appendix is located.When it bursts, the pain will lessen, but if it gets worse and is felt in the entire abdomen or other areas, it is a sign that other organs are now involved. This is the most important ruptured or burst appendix symptom.
- Rebound tenderness or pain felt after palpating the RUQ
- A mild to high-grade fever
- Chills
- A feeling of nausea paired with occasional vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Distension of the abdomen and feeling of tightness
- Constipation
- Inability to pass gas
- Thirst
- Low urine output
Treatment For Ruptured Appendix
Ruptured appendix treatment should include:
- The patient is usually instructed not to take in anything by mouth for one or two days or may be prescribed with clear liquid intake only.
- The infection may be treated first through intravenous antibiotics prior to surgery, or the other way around.
- The only treatment for ruptured appendix is surgery. This will include removal of the appendix and pus and other debris and other tissues that can be a source of infection.
- After surgery, the patient is prescribed with antibiotics and other medications.
- The diet usually transitions from clear liquid to general liquid, to soft diet, and finally to regular diet.
- Related Topics
- Symptoms Of Ruptured Appendix | Complications Of Appendicitis
- Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy Symptoms | Appendix during Pregnancy Treatment
- Where Is Appendix Located: Location Of Appendicitis Pain In Body
- Acute Appendicitis Complications | Appendix Rupture | Appendicular Mass and Abscess
- Types of Appendicitis | Where is the Appendix | Acute Appendicitis


