Appendicitis symptoms, causes, treatment & prevention

Appendicitis SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | TREATMENT

What is appendix ?

The appendix is a small finger-shaped pouch on the right side of the abdomen, connected to the colon.

Normally, the appendix sits in the lower right abdomen. The function of the appendix is unknown. One theory is that the appendix acts as a storehouse for good bacteria, “rebooting� the digestive system after diarrheal illnesses. Other experts believe the appendix is just a useless remnant from our evolutionary past.

Introduction to Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes swollen, inflamed, and filled with pus.

Inflammation of the appendicitis  No effective medical therapy, and is considered a medical emergency  Patient recover without difficulty if treated promptly  If treatment is delayed, it can burst, causing infection and even 

death  Most common acute surgical emergency of the abdomen  Anyone can get it, but occurs most often between ages 10-30

Causes of appendicitis 

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Relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix known as the lumen. ◦ Blockage leads to increased pressure , impaired blood flow and inflammation. ◦ If blockage is not treated ,gangrene and rupture (breaking or tearing) of the appendix could result.

Bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract which can lead to swelling of lymph nodes, which squeeze the appendix and cause obstruction ◦ Swelling known as lymphoid hyperplasia.

Symptoms of appendicitis    

Pain in stomach while coughing and sneezing Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea

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Inability to pass gas (break, wind, fart) Fever Constipation

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Loss of appetite

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Pain in appendix side in the stomach

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Not everyone with appendicitis will have all of the symptoms, especially children's, pregnant woman, and the elderly .

Treatment of appendicitis Appendectomy, a surgical procedure to remove appendix, is the standard treatment for appendicitis once the infection sets in and the diagnosis is confirmed.  

The treatment of appendicitis is appendicectomy.

Appendicectomy can be elective, emergency or interval.

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Two types of appendicectomy Conventional open appendicectomy

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Laparosopic appendicectomy

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Prevention of appendicitis There is no way to prevent appendicitis except regular preventive health checkups as that is the only way to catch hold and see how your internal organs and systems are working. Indus Health Plus has designed multiple preventive health checkup packages for all phases of your life.

However, appendicitis is less seen in people who eat high fiber diet. Though the precise connect is not exactly known, but one possible reason can be that fibre makes the stool softer and hence reduces the chances of it getting stuck in the appendix.