Symptoms That Mimic Appendicitis
The appendix is a small finger-like organ attached to the large intestine. When a blockage occurs in the appendix, bacteria begin to grow and an infection develops, also referred to as appendicitis.
The appendix is a small finger-like organ attached to the large intestine. When a blockage occurs in the appendix, bacteria begin to grow and an infection develops, also referred to as appendicitis. Symptoms of appendicitis includes fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and severe pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Other medical conditions and infections have symptoms that can mimic appendicitis. Treatment for appendicitis includes the removal of the appendix in an operation called an appendectomy.
Yersiniosis
Yersiniosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Yersinia bacteria. Individuals contract this bacterium from consuming foods and beverages containing the bacteria. Undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk and water can contain the bacteria, according to KidsHealth.org. Symptoms of yersiniosis include a fever, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Older children and adults can have a pain in the right lower quadrant, much like appendicitis.
Periodic Fever Syndrome
Periodic fever syndrome is an inherited condition that causes episodes of fevers along with abdominal pain. The fevers and pain are recurrent, conditions such as infections, stress, and menstrual periods can trigger the syndrome. The abdominal pain can become severe and mimic appendicitis, therefore some patients have an appendectomy to try to resolve the pain, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Digestive Gas Pain
Gas builds up in the digestive tract due gas released during the breaking down of foods and from swallowed air. Symptoms of trapped air in the intestines or stomach include abdominal pain, flatulence and belching. Some individual may experience pain located on the right side of the large intestine. This severe pain can mimic an infection of the appendix, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Ovarian Cyst
Each month, during childbearing years, a female releases an egg from one ovary. The two ovaries in the pelvis change sides each month when releasing an egg. The ovary can also produce a cyst when releasing the egg. The cyst can rupture and cause severe abdominal pain. If the right ovary contains the cyst, the pain location will be in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Diverticulitis
The lining of the large intestine can develop pouches called diverticula. If stool and bacteria trap in the diverticula, inflammation and an infection, referred to as diverticulitis, occurs in the intestine. Symptoms of diverticulitis includes sudden, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and a fever, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.