Guide To The Causes And Complications Of Appendicitis

Pus In The Abdomen

An individual who has developed appendicitis may experience pus in their abdomen as a complication of their inflammation. When an individual experiences a buildup of pressure inside of their appendix because a blockage will not allow mucus to pass through, the appendix can rupture and leak pus into the abdomen. The toxic pus leaves the appendix and intestine, producing widespread inflammation in the other tissues and structures in the abdominal cavity.

The toxic pus from the ruptured appendix can also get into the bloodstream, which can induce a life-threatening medical emergency referred to as sepsis. Sepsis is a term used when inflammation is widespread throughout an individual's body, and their vital organs begin to fail and shut down quickly. Low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, weakness, confusion, fever, and chills are all symptoms indicative of sepsis.

Peritonitis

An individual affected by appendicitis can develop a complication referred to as peritonitis. The peritoneum is a thin membrane that serves as the lining of the inner abdominal wall and surrounds multiple structures and organs in the abdominal cavity. The most common cause of peritonitis is the invasion of this membrane by bacteria or fungi. An individual who has experienced a rupture of their infected appendix can develop peritonitis when the bacteria that have colonized in the damaged organ leak into the abdominal cavity.

The symptoms of peritonitis may differ from those of appendicitis and include pain throughout the entire abdomen, higher fever, fast heart rate, fast respiration rate, chills, confusion, weakness, and severe and constant pain. This condition can progress into sepsis, or the other abdominal organs can attempt to isolate the toxic leakage to protect their tissues, forming an abdominal abscess.