The appendix is a tubular balloon-like sac that collects bacteria from the intestinal tract. If its open end gets clogged, the appendix swells and produces sharp pain in the lower right-hand corner or quadrant of the abdomen. This pain-producing inflammation is known as appendicitis, and must be correctly diagnosed and treated before the appendix bursts and sends bacteria into areas of the body unable to fight infection. Unfortunately, inattentive New Jersey emergency room and family doctors sometimes commit medical malpractice by misdiagnosis of the patient’s condition, resulting in serious illness, disease, damage to internal organs, and sometimes death.
If you or someone you love has suffered this terrible misfortune, contact New Jersey Medical Malpractice Attorneys Patrick Amoresano right away for a free and confidential consulation.
New Jersey Medical Malpractice Attorneys: More About Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix shown above. The appendix has no recognized purpose. The body can function normally without it.
Appendicitis is an emergency that mandates surgical removal of the appendix. Otherwise, the appendix will burst and cause peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the peritoneum ( the lining of the abdominal cavity) if not treated immediately with effective antibiotics.
One out of every fifteen people in the United States will eventually contract appendicitis. It it can occur at any age, but is rare under age of two and most commonly occurs between ages of ten and thirty.
Common symptoms of appendicitis include –
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Diarreah, constipation, and/or inability to pass gas
If you’ve got any of the above listed symptoms, do not hesitate to get immediate medical attention. The timely diagnosis and proper treatment is essential. In the meantime, avoid eating, drinking, or taking any kind of pain medications, laxatives, antacids, or heating pads, any of which can cause an inflamed appendix to burst.
New Jersey Medical Malpractice Attorneys