what is appendicitis and can it kill you?
463841
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped sac that is attached to the large intestine. \n\nMost of the time, the appendix does not cause problems. Occasionally, however, it gets blocked by bacteria and becomes swollen and infected. \n\nIf the infected appendix is not removed, the infection can cause the appendix to break open or rupture. This spreads infection into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis. Peritonitis is a serious problem that requires emergency care.\n\nYes it can cause death if not treated
34604
This can be nothing or it can be very serious.  It could be that your stool has created a small tear and will be healed quickly, or it could be that you have intestinal bleeding that you could die from.  The darker the blood, the farther back in the intestinal tract is the bleeding.  If this persists, definitely call a doctor.
743797
I think you should have it checked out by a doctor.\n\n"Localized pain  is located in one area of the abdomen. Localized pain that comes on suddenly and is getting worse is more likely to be a symptom of a serious problem. The pain of appendicitis may start as generalized pain but often localizes to one area of the abdomen. The pain from gallbladder disease or peptic ulcer disease often starts in one area of the abdomen and remains in the same location. Localized pain that gradually becomes more severe may be a symptom of inflammation of an abdominal organ."
436604
normally a doctor performs an abdomenal exam.  An appendicitis is often accompanied by severe abdomenal pain and/or rebound pain (i.e. pain when the doctor releases the pressure)\nAfter this initial exam, a doctor would most likely exam the patient with an sonogram or CAT scan depending on how critical the situation seemed (I recieved a CAT scan but the concern was low, sonograms can be done much quicker.)\nFrom these images, the doctor would determine if it was an appendicitis and surgery would be planned in if it was.
1101331
Probably should go to the er, could be most anything from appendix to kidney stones. You need to be seen if the pain is really bad. Pain is always a symptom not the disease.
64661
The appendix is in the lower left hemisphere of the body, so unless she is complaining of a very sharp, acute, and focused pain, then I doubt that's it. \n\nIf she is a woman of age, be careful, and see if it goes away. If it does not, and in fact intensifies, it could be intestinal blockage, in which case you should quickly escort your mother to the nearest hospital. Intestinal blockage is marked by severe cramping and violent diarhea or projectile vomiting, but if it got to that point you would know something was very wrong anyway.
755087
True. I've never heard of anyone killing someone over Ibuprofen or Centrum Silver. What's your point exactly?
352171
The appendix has no known function in humans. Evidence suggests that our evolutionary ancestors used their appendixes to digest tough food like tree bark, but we don't use ours in digestion now. Some scientists believe that the appendix will disappear from the human body.\nThe appendix is rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells, suggesting that it might play a role in the immune system. Whether the appendix has a function or not, it can be removed without any ill effects.
434015
...no, physical activity after eating does not give you appendicitis. (Who told you that?) The actual cause is unknown because the appendix is still debated as a vestigial organ, but it's theorized that it is due to an obstruction or viral infection (which can lead to an obstruction). Blood gets cut off to the organ, bacteria begins to grow, and it becomes gangrenous.\nSome people also believe than an unhealthy diet can lead to the clotting of blood to the appendix and then from their on out the problem.
344926
Yes, it can kill you. It depends on your body weight, metabolism, and the number of pills, but people will go into liver failure and die from overdosing on those pills.
692419
Could be appendicitis.  Don't worry, if that's right and she doesn't see a doctor, the pain won't last long.  She will be dead !!!  Good luck.
962456
Your appendix is on the right, so it isn't appendicitis.  (There is no way that the appendix can be on the left in case you were wondering)  The spleen is on the left, but it is located right under the ribcage.  Your kidneys are low in your abdomen and are located on both sides.  I would guess that it has something to do with your intestines though.
1028455
I agree with coccanut it could be a sign of infection or appenditcis, you need to get it checked out immediately. When you push on it do you feel pain? \n\nInformation on the appendix:\n\nThe appendix is a small finger-like pouch that protrudes from the large intestine. Appendicitis, which is most common in people ages 5 to 30, is generally caused by an obstruction that leads to inflammation of the appendix. There are no particular risk factors for appenditicis. It is not preventable, so early detection is very important. \n .   Watch for signs of pain and/or tenderness in the navel area that moves towards the lower right of the abdomen over the course of a few hours. The pain is often described as severe and sharp and worsens with any movement.  \n  \n2.   Take your temperature - a low grade fever may be a sign of inflammation and infection, a possible sign of appendicitis.  \n3.   Watch for signs of nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.  \n  \n4.   Call your health care provider if you exhibit any and/or all of these signs and symptoms. If you are unable to reach your health care provider, go directly to the nearest emergency facility.  \n  \nP>S> Footnote : I'm not a doctor nor do I claim to have any knowledge, but the high bilirubin could also be gallbladder you really need to go asap to a walk in clinic or a hospital. \n\nI hope this helps
503468
Our appendices was functional when we humans were consuming grass and raw vegetables now it has evolved into a useless sack which when infected with toxic matters becomes inflamed and has to be operated upon and removed.\nHorse and Cows have a functional appendices still ! :-)\nTake care and God Bless !
695682
It's good you're going to a doc for a check-up.\nIt would be difficult to diagnose you symptoms properly without being seen.\nBut these are symptoms for Appendicitis.\n\nTest:\n· A physical exam based upon the symptoms.\n· A urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI).\n· Ultrasound can show an inflamed appendix.\n\n· A blood count is taken to see if the white blood cell count is elevated, as is usually the case in acute appendicitis. If the doctor does suspect appendicitis, surgery will need to be performed within the next few hours. If not, the appendix can rupture and go into a condition known as peritonitis. Pus from the infected appendix spreads into the abdominal cavity, causing blood poisoning.\n\nSymptoms:\n· Generalized abdominal cramps. Pain usually begins near the navel and moves down to the lower right. The pain becomes worse when the person moves or touches the area.\n\n· Nausea or vomiting.\n· Elevated temperature.\n· Increased pulse rate.\n· Loss of appetite.\n· Constipation.\n· Abdominal swelling.\n\nIn appendicitis these symptoms tend to become more severe as time passes. Not everyone with appendicitis has all the symptoms. Never should a laxative or enema be taken if you suspect appendicitis. These medications can cause the appendix to rupture.
94428
If it's not treated, you can bleed to death or die from infection.
310207
Do you still have your appendix?