Where There Is No Doctor 2011 95
Signs of appendicitis:
• The main sign is a steady pain in the belly
that gets worse and worse.
• The pain often begins around the navel
(‘bellybutton’)
but it soon moves to the lower right side.
• There may be loss of appetite, vomiting,
constipation, or a mild fever.
TESTS FOR APPENDICITIS OR PERITONITIS:
Have the person cough and
see if this causes sharp pain in
the belly.
Or, slowly but forcefully, press
on the abdomen a little above
the left groin until it hurts a little.
Then quickly remove the hand.
If a very sharp pain (rebound
pain) occurs when the hand
is removed, appendicitis or
peritonitis is likely.
If no rebound pain occurs
above the left groin, try the
same test above the right groin.
IF IT SEEMS THAT A PERSON HAS APPENDICITIS OR PERITONITIS:
♦ Seek medical help immediately.
If possible, take the person where
he can have surgery.
♦ Do not give anything by mouth
and do not give an enema. Only if the person begins to show signs of
dehydration, give sips of water or Rehydration Drink (p. 152) made with sugar
and salt—but nothing more.
♦ The person should rest very quietly in a half-sitting position.
Note: When peritonitis is advanced, the belly becomes hard like a board, and the
person feels great pain when his belly is touched even lightly. His life is in danger.
Take him to a medical center immediately and on the way give him the medicines
indicated at the top of page 93.