What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis refers to an inflammation in the appendix. Appendicitis is a medical emergency and almost always requires immediate surgery to remove the appendix. You can still live well without it.
Where is your Appendix?
The 3 1/2-inch long tube of tissue runs from your large intestine to the lower right of your body. Although the appendix can produce antibodies, it is not known what its purpose is.
What Causes Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition that affects 1 in 20 Americans. Appendicitis can occur at any age but is more common in children under 2. Appendicitis is most common in those between the ages of 10 and 30.
Appendicitis is when your appendix becomes blocked. This can be caused by poop, a foreign body (something that isn’t supposed to exist in your body), or cancer. An infection can also cause blockage, as the appendix may swell to deal with any infection.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis
The following symptoms characterize appendicitis:
- Pain In your lower right abdomen or near your navel. This is the most common sign.
- Appetite loss
- Urinary and vomiting within a few hours after stomach pains begin
- Swollen belly
- Fever from 99-102 F
- Can’t pass gas
Appendicitis can also be manifested in other ways.
- You may feel a dull or sharp sensation in your lower or upper belly, back, or rear end.
- Painful or difficult peeing
- Before your belly pain begins, you should vomit
- Grave cramps
- Constipation and Diarrhea with gas
These symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Do not eat, drink or use pain relief, laxatives, or laxatives.
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
Appendicitis diagnosis can be difficult. Appendicitis symptoms can be confusing or similar to other conditions, such as gallbladder issues, bladder or urinary tract infections, Crohn’s disease, gastritis, and kidney stones.
These tests can be used to diagnose appendicitis.
- Examine your abdomen for signs of inflammation
- Urine (pee test) to rule out a bacterial infection of the urinary tract
- Rectal exam
- Blood Test to determine if your body is fighting infection
- CT scans
- Ultra
What is the treatment for appendicitis?
Appendicitis can be treated almost as an emergency. Appendectomy is the most common treatment for appendicitis.
Appendicitis is a condition that your doctor will remove immediately to prevent a rupture. An abscess may require two procedures. One to drain the pus and fluid and the other to remove the appendix. Some research suggests that antibiotics can be used to treat acute appendicitis.
What to Expect During an Appendectomy
To fight infection, you must take antibiotics before your appendix is removed. You will usually receive general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure. Your doctor will remove your appendix using a 4-inch-long surgical cut or a laparoscope (a small telescope-like device that allows them to see inside your stomach). Laparoscopy is the name of this procedure. The surgeon will remove any pus from your abdomen if you have peritonitis.
After surgery, you can move around and get up within 12 hours. In 2 to 3 weeks, you should be able to return to your routine. Recovery is quicker if you have a laparoscopy.
If you need an appendectomy afterward, contact your doctor.
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Increased abdominal pain
- Feelings of dizziness/faintness
- You can find blood in your urine or vomit
- Redness and increased pain when your doctor cuts into your belly
- Fever
- Pus in the wound
Appendicitis Complications
If left untreated, an inflamed or enlarged appendix can burst and release bacteria and other debris into your abdominal cavity. This part of your body houses your liver, stomach, and intestines. Peritonitis is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the peritoneum (lining of your abdominal cavity). It can prove fatal if it’s not treated promptly with strong antibiotics and if the pus is removed surgically.
Sometimes an abscess can form outside of an inflamed appendix. The scar tissue “walls off the appendix” from the rest. This prevents the infection from spreading. An abscessed appendix could cause peritonitis.
Appendicitis Prevention
Appendicitis can’t be prevented. It may be less common for people who consume high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits or vegetables.