Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix which is caused by an obstruction or an infection. If it is left without treatment then it can rupture which could ultimately lead to death. In the early stages appendicitis can often be difficult to spot as many people do not think it is worth visiting a doctor. However some of the symptoms are:

• The main symptom is pain, beginning around the navel, then moving down and to the right side of the abdomen. The pain worsens when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, or being touched in this area.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Change in bowel movements, including diarrhoea or inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas
• Low fever that begins after other symptoms
• Urinating frequently, or difficult or painful urination

It is important to say that if you have appendicitis you should not try to treat it with alternative medicines as you will probably require surgery to remove the appendix. If you suspect you have appendicitis you should seek medical treatment immediately.

However alternative therapies can be very useful to help you when recovering from surgery and supporting the healing process. There are a number of things that could help including acupuncture, massage, homeopathy and herbal remedies.