Appendicitis natural history, complications and prognosis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
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.
Complications
In cases of acute appendicitis, life-threatening peritonitis can occur if the appendix bursts. It is for this reason that appendicitis cases are evaluated and treated speedily.