Source
Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix, a small sac-like pouch attached to the first part of your large intestine, becomes inflamed and fills with pus. This often happens because of a blockage or an obstruction in the natural passage of food through your digestive tract. As a result, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms build up inside your appendix leading to its inflammation and pus buildup. It is not known for sure why this happens, but it is believed that bacteria from the first part of your large intestine (the cecum) gets into the appendix through acidic fluids from your stomach that reflux up into the smaller bowel. This can happen if you have an enlarged stomach valve or another medical condition such as diabetes, endocrine disorder, or having had surgery on that area. If left untreated, appendicitis can be life-threatening since it causes severe pain and pressure within the abdomen. Left untreated, it can lead to perforation of the appendix which means there’s direct spread of toxins into the abdominal cavity leading to sepsis and increased risk of infection spreading throughout other organs.
What are the causes of Appendicitis?
There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing appendicitis. These include:
- Being male: Appendicitis is more common in males than females.
- Being younger than 30 years of age: This is the age when people are most likely to experience appendicitis.
- Having a history of childhood recurrent abdominal pain: If you had recurrent abdominal pain as a child, you are more likely to get appendicitis as an adult.
- Having a family history of appendicitis: If a close family member such as a parent, sibling, or child had appendicitis, you are more likely to get it. If you have a weakened immune system or other underlying health conditions, are pregnant or overweight, or if you have recently experienced a significant change in diet, these can also increase your risk of developing appendicitis.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
Source
The main symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain that usually starts in the lower right side of your abdomen. It may also extend to your lower back and is usually felt as an intense pain that increases with time. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, change in stool color, and/or a low-grade fever. The symptoms of appendicitis will usually appear suddenly and may get worse over the next 24 to 72 hours. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. There are several other conditions and illnesses that can be confused with appendicitis. Although these conditions are less severe, they may require treatment as well. These include intestinal flu, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning, etc.
How is Appendicitis diagnosed?
The doctor will ask you about your current symptoms and medical history. Your blood may be tested to rule out other conditions caused by an infection. You may also be given a blood test to test for signs of infection. Your doctor may also perform a physical exam and order imaging scans such as an ultrasound, an X-ray, CT scan, or an MRI. These tests can help your doctor to rule out other conditions and determine whether or not you have appendicitis.
Treatment for appendicitis
Source
If left untreated, appendicitis can be dangerous and may cause complications such as rupture of the appendix, peritonitis (an infection in the abdominal cavity), a serious blood infection known as sepsis, and even death. If you experience any of the symptoms of appendicitis, you should get medical attention right away. If you are diagnosed with appendicitis, treatment will depend on your particular situation. Your doctor may recommend rest, taking pain medications, and drinking plenty of fluids. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your appendix.
Conclusion
Appendicitis is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. > In most cases, appendicitis can be treated successfully with the help of antibiotics, fluids, and pain medications. However, if the appendix ruptures, major surgery is needed to remove it and repair the damage. It is important to get proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, appendicitis can increase your risk of developing long-term complications such as infertility and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Reference:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appendicitis
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-appendicitis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/appendicitis/treatment/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/appendicitis