Table Of Contents
- What is Appendicitis?
- What Causes Appendicitis?
- What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
- How can Appendicitis be Diagnosed?
- What are the Complications of Appendicitis?
- What is the Treatment for Appendicitis?
What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a finger-shaped organ that projects from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis may affect anybody; however, it is most common in adults between 10 and 30.
What Causes Appendicitis?
Appendicitis occurs due to the obstruction of the appendix, which can be caused by faeces, a foreign body (something within you that shouldn’t be there), or cancer. It can also be due to some enlarged tissue in the wall of the appendix, caused by an infection in the digestive tract or somewhere else in the body. Blockage may also result from the condition since the appendix tends to swell in response to an infection in the body.
What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
Characteristic symptom-Sudden severe pain in the abdomen that begins near the belly button and radiates to the lower and right parts of the abdomen. The pain generally worsens on movement, coughing or sneezing.
Other symptoms:
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Inability to pass gas
How can Appendicitis be Diagnosed?
To diagnose appendicitis, it is essential to rule out other possibilities. The investigation includes:
- Examination of the abdomen
- Blood tests to look for immune cells
- Ultrasound abdomen to look for any irregularities
- CT Scan
What are the Complications of Appendicitis?
- Appendix rupture: The rupture of the appendix might create a life-threatening situation by spreading the infection throughout the abdomen.
- Abscess formation: A pocket of pus might develop after the rupture of the appendix. It becomes essential to drain the abscess before surgical removal of the appendix.
What is the Treatment for Appendicitis?
Considering the condition as an emergency, the standard treatment is an appendectomy, that is., surgical removal of the appendix. It is essential to control the situation before the appendix ruptures to prevent the spread of infection. Antibiotics and supportive therapy are given along with the treatment.