Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that extends from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis produces discomfort in the lower right abdomen. Most patients, however, experience pain around the belly button that gradually spreads. Discomfort related to Appendicitis usually worsens as the inflammation worsens, finally becoming severe.
Some symptoms of Appendicitis may include:
- Sudden pain on the right side of the lower abdomen.
- Sudden pain around the navel that frequently spreads to the lower right abdomen.
- Pain worsens when coughing, walking, or doing other jarring activities.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Low-grade fever, which may increase as the illness progresses.
- Constipation and/or diarrhea.
- Abdominal bloating.
- Gas.
Appendicitis is most commonly caused by a blockage in the appendix’s lining. This obstruction can result in an infection. The germs multiply quickly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, bloated, and pus-filled. If not treated immediately, the appendix can rupture.
Who is at risk?
The majority of appendicitis cases occur between the ages of ten and thirty. A family history of appendicitis may increase your risk, particularly if you are male. For a child, having cystic fibrosis appears to increase the likelihood of developing appendicitis.
How is Appendicitis diagnosed?
Your healthcare professional will inquire about your previous health and conduct a physical assessment. He or she may also require you to undergo the following tests:
- Blood tests: Look for symptoms of infection, such as a high white blood cell count.
- Urine tests: To determine if you have a urinary tract infection.
You could also have various imaging tests, including:
- Abdominal ultrasound: Allows the doctor to examine internal organs in action and determine how blood flows through different blood veins.
- CT scans: They provide detailed images of any area of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
- MRI: In place of a CT scan, an MRI is sometimes used to diagnose appendicitis, particularly in pregnant women.
What are some complications that might come up?
Appendicitis can lead to significant problems, including:
- A ruptured appendix: A ruptured appendix spreads infection throughout the belly, causing peritonitis. This potentially life-threatening illness necessitates prompt surgery to remove the appendix and clean out the abdominal cavity.
- A pus pocket develops in the abdomen: If your appendix ruptures, you may develop a pocket of infection known as an abscess. In most situations, a surgeon will drain the abscess by inserting a tube through your abdomen wall into it. The tube is left in place for around two weeks while you are given antibiotics to treat the infection.
What kind of treatment can you expect for Appendicitis?
The appendix is likely to explode, resulting in a serious and fatal infection. As a result, your physician will recommend that you have surgery to remove your appendix.
The appendix can be removed surgically or by laparoscopy:
- Open (traditional) surgery technique: You’re given an anaesthetic. A cut (incision) is made on the lower right side of your abdomen. The surgeon discovers the appendix and removes it. If the appendix has ruptured, a tiny tube (shunt) may be inserted to drain pus and other fluids from the abdomen. The shunt will be removed in a few days, once your surgeon believes the infection has resolved.
- Laparoscopic method: The laparoscopic approach involves anaesthesia. To see inside your belly, this operation makes multiple small cuts (incisions) and utilises a camera (laparoscope). The surgical tools are inserted through a few tiny incisions. The laparoscope is inserted through another incision. Even if the appendix has ruptured, a laparoscopy is frequently performed.
If your appendix has not ruptured, recovering from an appendectomy will only take a few days. If your appendix has ruptured, your healing period will be prolonged, and you will require antibiotic medication.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that causes severe lower right abdomen discomfort that intensifies over time and is frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. While a blockage in the appendix lining is the most prevalent reason, if left untreated, it can rupture, spreading infection and necessitating emergency surgery. If you encounter these symptoms, get medical help immediately to avoid consequences.
