Appendicitis is a medical condition that occurs when the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed.
3 early signs of swollen appendix
If you experience these symptoms, especially if they worsen over time, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately to prevent serious complications.
Appendicitis can lead to serious complications [iStock]
Recommended articles
![Facial expressions and meanings [istockphoto]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Facial expressions and meanings [istockphoto]")
If left untreated, a swollen appendix can rupture and lead to serious complications.
Early detection is crucial for preventing this from happening.
3 early signs of swollen appendix
ADVERTISEMENT
Here are three early signs of a swollen appendix that you should be aware of:
1. Abdominal pain
The most common and initial symptom of a swollen appendix is pain that starts near the belly button and then shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen. This pain is usually sharp and increases in intensity over time. It may also worsen with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
2. Nausea and vomiting
As the appendix becomes inflamed, it can trigger nausea and vomiting. These symptoms often accompany the abdominal pain and can be mistaken for a stomach bug or food poisoning. However, when combined with localised pain in the lower right abdomen, they may signal a swollen appendix.
ADVERTISEMENT
![A swollen appendix can trigger nausea and vomiting [iStock]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'612'%20height%3D'408'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "A swollen appendix can trigger nausea and vomiting [iStock]")
A swollen appendix can trigger nausea and vomiting [iStock]
Pulse Nigeria
3. Fever and digestive issues
A low-grade fever often develops as the body attempts to fight the infection caused by an inflamed appendix. Additionally, digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea can occur. These symptoms, coupled with abdominal pain, are strong indicators of appendicitis.
Recognising the early signs of a swollen appendix, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and digestive issues, is essential for seeking prompt medical attention.
If you experience these symptoms, especially if they worsen over time, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately to prevent serious complications.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Lagos Canvas: Unveiling art, music, fashion, and film
Sony Music West Africa partners with Beat FM for 15th anniversary 'The Beat Brunch'
The best sleeping positions for pregnant women
Get Ready, Benin City! Monkey Shoulder Press Play is coming your way!
Hollandia all along: Kiekie’s delivery stunt causes stir, Hollandia reveals partnership
5 societies of people you didn't know live underground
10 signs of a weak man – Are you one or are you in a relationship with one?
10 priceless cultural artefacts stolen by the British Empire
6 types of smiles and their hidden meaning
5 clear signs a guy doesn’t know what he wants
13 facial expressions and what they reveal about people’s inner feelings
Nigerian pastry chef, Ikedinma bags 'Cake Artistry of the Year' title in US
Pulse Sports
New York Fashion Week: Noah Lyles, Rai Benjamin, and Sha'Carri Richardson's besties show off exquisite styles
'You can't stop him' - CAF heap praises on Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen
Nigeria vs. Benin: 3 tactics that helped Eguavoen shock Rohr’s Benin Republic
Nigeria 3-0 Benin: Lookman and Osimhen power Super Eagles to emphatic AFCON 2025 win
'From Henry to Muller'- Top 10 Goal-Scoring Legends in Football History [Ranked]
Nigerian defender declared missing in Nigeria
Victor Osimhen Salary: How the Super Eagles striker went from earning ₦390 million to ₦22 billion per year
Report: Galatasaray agree to pay Osimhen ₦17 billion after Chelsea refuse to pay the same amount
I did not beg for the job — Eguaveon reveals why he accepted Super Eagles coaching role
ADVERTISEMENT
