When it comes to your health, timing matters. This is especially true when it comes to conditions like appendicitis. Most of the time, having an achy stomach doesn’t require serious medical attention. However, if pain persists or worsens, a simple stomachache can turn into a massive medical emergency.
While anyone can develop appendicitis, women face unique challenges in getting a timely diagnosis. This week on Fox 17, Dr. Bitner shares how early detection and self-advocation can help you avoid serious complications and get back to living your life sooner.
Fact #1
Women face delays in diagnosis, and it can be dangerous. Roughly 1/15 women will experience appendicitis during their lifetime, and generally have more delays in diagnosis than men due to overlapping symptoms. These symptoms often mask themselves as those stemming from ovarian pain, cysts, endometriosis, and bowel conditions such as IBS. Because of this, women tend to be diagnosed 12-24 hours later than men. Delays in diagnosis can lead to perforation of the appendix with a higher rate of complications, deep infections, longer hospital stays, and a need for prolonged antibiotics. If the condition lasts more than 72 hours, the risk of a ruptured appendix jumps to over 50%.
Fact #2
Knowing appendicitis symptoms can save your life. Symptoms typically begin with abdominal discomfort around the belly button, then migrate to the right lower side after 24 hours. Other common signs include:
- Low appetite (80-85%)
- Nausea, with or without vomiting (40-60%)
- Localized pain three fingers above the right hip bone
- Pain in the right lower side of your body when you jump up and down or hit a bump in road
- Low grade fever
If these symptoms appear, especially in combination, it’s critical to seek medical care immediately.
Fact #3
Self-advocacy makes all the difference. The key to a positive outcome often lies in knowing your body and speaking up. Dr. Bitner recently experienced appendicitis firsthand and was able to identify her symptoms quickly, seek out the right care, and receive the proper care in a timely manner. She credits her fast recovery to understanding what was happening and acting quickly. While not everyone is a doctor, anyone can learn to be their own best health advocate. This includes having a trusted primary care provider, knowing local urgent care or ER options, and not being afraid to ask for help.
Takeaway Tip
To stay healthy, know your body and have a good medical team to call on when needed. Know the signs and symptoms of appendicitis and be ready to act fast. Building a reliable support system and acting fast could save your life or the life of someone you love.