ASK A DOCTOR: WHAT HAPPENS IF I LEAVE MY APPENDICITIS UNTREATED?

Expert opinion from Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

The traditional treatment is to remove the appendix. People with early appendicitis may be treated with what is known as an antibiotic first strategy. Without treatment, there is a substantial risk of the appendix rupturing. A ruptured appendix can lead to a serious infection throughout the abdomen, known as peritonitis. Or it can form an abscess that needs to be drained.

Expert opinion from Sai Kiran Donakanti

MBB, DNB · 1 years of experience · India

Appendicitis is the inflammation of appendix if you left untreated that results in 1. Perforation 2. Generalized peritonitis 3. Appendicular mass 4. Appendicular abscess 5. Surgical wound infection.

Expert opinion from Ipsa Arora

MD (Internal Medicine) · 5 years of experience · USA

If left untreated, appendicitis may result to rupture/bursting of the appendix. This will cause flow of infected contents into the abdominal cavity which can predispose you to peritonitis.

→ Learn more about appendicitis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to appendicitis.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

2024-06-29T00:10:25Z dg43tfdfdgfd