What is appendicitis?
Introduction

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small, fingerlike tube located where the large and small intestines join. Anatomy of appendix.

The appendix is a vestigial organ that performs no function in human beings but it can still become diseased. In fact, the most common reason for abdominal surgery around the world is acute appendicitis. If left untreated, there is a probability that the inflamed appendix will burst, making the fecal material spill out into the abdominal cavity. This will usually result in a life-threatening infection known as peritonitis.

Appendicitis is quiet rare among older people, and its symptoms are usually mild so the diagnosis of the acute episode is not made. 


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... even more info about this disease. 


Causes of appendicitis

  • In most cases the inflammation may be caused by an obstruction of the opening of the appendix by a piece of stool, by a parasite, or by an infection.
  • Traumatic injury
  • Genetics
  • Lymphoid hyperplasia

Prevention of appendicitis

There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis is less common in people who eat foods containing fiber and roughage such as raw vegetables and fruits. 

However you should be careful swallowing the seeds from fruits is widely thought to precipitate appendicitis, which is not correct.


Some facts

  • Appendicitis is the most common acute surgical emergency of the abdomen.
  • Anyone can get appendicitis, but it occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30.

Pathology of appendix


Symptoms of Appendicitis

The symptoms described bellow can be noticed at the very first stage of appendicitis. You can feel those symptoms all together or only a few of them.


What couses of appendicitis

The symptoms can be deceptively mild in young children or among people over 65. Otherwise, the symptoms are varied and may include the following:
  • Strange discomfort near the naval (earlier in the attack) that is felt around the entire right lower quadrant of the abdomen.
  • Feeling of pinpointed and persistent pain within a few hours.
  • Pain that becomes worse off with movement, coughing, sneezing, walking, deep breathing, or when the area is touched.
  • In some cases, the patient might experience only mild pain in the abdomen but severe pain when he goes for a rectal examination.
  • The abdomen becomes rigid.
  • A high fever, accompanied by chills, indicates an abscessed appendix. Otherwise the patient will feel low fever (below 102°F).
  • Experiencing constipation and inability to pass gas, possibly alternating with diarrhea.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea and vomiting (in some cases).
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Abdominal pain abruptly ceases after other symptoms have occurred. This indicates that the appendix has burst—an emergency.
  • Abdominal swelling in late stages.
  • Painful urination.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Coated tongue and bad breath.
Special cases:
  • Pregnant women do not experience the classic symptoms.
  • Infants : symptoms vary widely.
  • The elderly : a slight fever and abdominal pain


More Symptoms explained


Treatment for appendicitis

treatment of appendicitis

  • Call your doctor as soon as possible.
  • The appendix must be removed and the surgery should be carried out within a few hours.
  • If somehow you are unsure of the symptoms, take you temperature regularly after every two hours to keep a record for your doctor.
  • If appendicitis is suspected, never take laxatives or enemas because they can cause the inflamed appendix to burst, and pain relievers because they might falter the diagnosis of the disorder. Avoid ingesting anything and only take a few sips of water when you feel thirsty. Anesthesia is safer when administered on an empty stomach. Rest on a bed or chair. Never apply heating pads to the throbbing area because it might as well cause the appendix to burst.
  • In the case of an abscess formation, your doctor may first drain it and then set for you large doses of antibiotic for days or weeks. The removal of the appendix can be scheduled for a later date.







The most important factor in your recovery after surgery is following the full course of treatment ordered by your doctor, including taking all of any prescribed antibiotics. To feel better as soon as possible you should:

  • Rest.
  • Get plenty of sleep but avoid staying in bed for long periods of time during the day.
  • Eat foods high in protein while you are healing if your doctor says it is OK.
  • Eat small frequent meals.
  • Gradually increase your walking and activity as directed by your doctor.
  • Keep your sutures clean.
  • Wash your hands before and after changing the dressing on your incision, and after disposing of the dressing.
  • Continue taking prescribed medication until it is finished.
  • Contact your doctor if the following signs of wound infection appear:
    • Redness or warmth at the suture site.
    • Fever.

The Best Foods to Eat After Appendix Surgery

Support

Q
Can appendicitis cause death?
A
Once inflammation begins, it is unstoppable and surgery is the only cure. Untreated or delayed treatment of appendicitis can cause a burst appendix which can lead to infection and possibly death.
By: HealthDay News
Q
Can appendicitis go away by it self?
A
Sometimes inflammation and infection of appendix can be controlled and healed by antibiotics. But, these cases are very rare and they do not mean appendicitis flare up and go away on its own. Generally speaking, when appendicitis flare up it is needed emergency surgery.
By: By: steadyhealth.com
Q
Is there any medicine that cures appendicitis without it being surgically removed?
A
The answer is sometimes YES, but your life may be placed at risk if you try. The only 100% safe method to cure appendicitis is surgery and removal off appendix.
By: Yahoo answers
Q
When to See a Doctor if the symptoms of appendicitis match?
A
Immediately call a doctor if you experience symptoms that may point toward appendicitis.
By: HealthDay News

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