What causes an Appendix to burst?

United States
May 18, 2008 6:16pm CST
My 20 year old son just went into the hospital this morning with a bad stomach ache. He thought he may have had food poisoning, but found out that his appendix was ready to burst. They had to hurry and do an operation and remove it. I was wondering what causes this to happen. Does anyone know anything about this? Thanks.
1 person likes this
3 responses
• Australia
18 May 08
Sorry to hear that! Well, I have heard certain types of food can make it burst. Such as sunflowers seeds and things like this but this is just what I have heard, whether it's true or not is another story lol... In any case, I hope he has a safe and easy recovery. I'm still reeling from the fact that you have a 20 year old son. You look great to have a twenty year old, YOU GO GIRL!
• United States
19 May 08
Lol. Thanks! I'll actually be 43 tomorrow!!!! I can't believe it either....time flies!
1 person likes this
• Australia
19 May 08
Wow, you look great though seriously!
@zhuuraan (961)
• United States
23 Jun 08
I just had an appendectomy four days ago and I can't remember what they said the technical word for the cause was, but the doctor said that basically something, like stool or whatever, gets stuck in the open end of the appendix. The appendix itself is kind of shaped like a sock, with one open end. When that end gets clogged, that is what causes the pain and eventually the bursting. Luckily mine didn't get that far and I didn't need emergency surgery, but they did have mine removed.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
18 May 08
I believe it is the infection in the appendix. The swelling that comes with infections causes it to burst. Good thing they caught it in time. I had mine taken out last year and was fortunate it didn't burst because I wasn't going to go to the hospital until I realized that it was Sunday and if I was still in extreme pain on Monday, I would be home alone with my 4 y/o son..So I went and sure enough, that was my problem...