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Appendicitis during pregnancy: symptoms
Appendicitis during pregnancy is characterized by several symptoms that will help to make the correct diagnosis in time and avoid possible complications.
Appendicitis during pregnancy: varieties and features
Appendicitis is inflammation and sometimes rupture of the appendix. Signs of inflammation in pregnant women are quite difficult to identify. The fact is that they can resemble the symptoms of other diseases, for example, cystitis or gastritis.
Appendicitis during pregnancy can be disguised as other diseases
Since the abdominal wall is stretched during pregnancy, the pain when pressing on the appendix with the hand is weak. The pain develops gradually and reaches its peak after 6-12 hours. The risk of complications during pregnancy increases. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of appendicitis in time and urgently consult a doctor.
There are different types of appendicitis:
- Catarrhal. This is the simplest case when the process increases in size, but remains intact, and pus does not penetrate into the abdominal cavity.
- Destructive. This is an acute form of appendicitis, in which the appendix is completely filled with pus. Without surgery, it breaks through with the release of pus.
In the acute form, several more species are distinguished. It is important for pregnant women to diagnose appendicitis at the first stage, when the appendix is still intact.
Symptoms of appendicitis during pregnancy
The main symptoms of appendicitis:
- stomach ache;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- elevated temperature;
- coated dry tongue.
Symptoms gradually overlap, and over time, the woman’s condition worsens. Especially acute pain appears in a woman if she lies on her right side. In this case, the enlarged uterus puts increased pressure on the appendix.
Depending on the duration of pregnancy, the pain is localized in different places. In the first trimester, the right iliac region hurts. In the last trimester, pain is localized to the right of the navel. The temperature rise, as a rule, does not exceed 38 ° C.
If you suspect that you have appendicitis, do not take pain relievers yourself. This will help the doctor diagnose quickly and accurately.
If appendicitis is suspected, the patient is examined by a surgeon and a gynecologist. Observation and taking analyzes are carried out within 12 hours. The doctor will establish a diagnosis by palpation. Additionally, urine and blood tests are performed for the presence of an increased number of leukocytes and an ultrasound examination.
When the diagnosis is confirmed, endoscopic surgery or a surgical incision is performed.
Pregnant women should pay special attention to the appearance of unusual symptoms in order to immediately consult a doctor at the initial stage and diagnose appendicitis. This will help avoid complications.