Appendicitis natural history, complications and prognosis

Appendicitis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Appendicitis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Diagnostic Scoring
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Appendicitis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Appendicitis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Appendicitis
CDC on Appendicitis
Appendicitis in the news
Blogs on Appendicitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Appendicitis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Appendicitis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Natural History

The symptoms of Appendicitis typically develop acutely after the inflammation of the appendix. Without treatment, the patient will likely develop symptoms of pain starting centrally (periumbilical) before localizing to the right iliac fossa, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting which may eventually lead to death if peritonitis occurs due to appendiceal bursting.