Emergency Appendicitis in Arizona

Appendicitis, an inflammation or infection of the appendix, is a serious medical emergency. A ruptured appendix can be life-threatening. The appendix, a small pouch located in the lower right abdomen where the small and large intestines meet, may play a role in fighting infection, but it's not essential.

At Dignity Health in Arizona, our skilled doctors provide prompt diagnosis and treatment, including emergency appendectomy, for appendicitis. We have convenient hospital locations throughout the Phoenix area, including Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Laveen, Goodyear, Surprise, Mesa, and Glendale.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

The main symptom of appendicitis is belly pain. It often starts near the belly button and spreads to the lower right side. Sometimes, the whole belly area is painful. The pain usually occurs suddenly, progresses rapidly, and worsens when you move, take a deep breath, or cough or sneeze.

Other signs and symptoms of appendicitis are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever and chills
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating
• Inability to pass gas

If you have symptoms of appendicitis, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may order a blood test to check for infection or an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to see if the appendix is swollen.

Causes of Appendicitis

The appendix opens into the large intestine, or colon. Most cases of appendicitis result from mucus, stool, or a foreign body becoming trapped inside the appendix and blocking the opening. The obstructed appendix then becomes irritated, inflamed, or infected.

If your appendix ruptures, contaminated contents from the appendix can leak into the abdominal cavity, resulting in a severe infection called peritonitis.

Appendicitis Treatment at Dignity Health

Treatment options depend upon whether or not your appendix has burst. Immediate surgery is the usual treatment for appendicitis because of the high risk of rupture. An inflamed appendix can rupture as soon as 48 to 72 hours after symptoms first start. When the appendix ruptures, infection can spread throughout the belly and cause life-threatening peritonitis. An appendectomy will prevent or treat peritonitis.

Sometimes, people don’t realize they have appendicitis until their appendix bursts. This is more common in very young or very old people. It is also more common during pregnancy. If your appendix ruptures, you can become very ill very quickly. Surgery to remove the appendix and clean out the belly is necessary. Your hospital stay will likely be longer with a burst appendix.

Dignity Health provides high-quality emergency services, including emergency appendicitis treatment and emergency appendectomy, in Arizona.