Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes obstructed and an infection develops. It is considered a medical emergency since, in most cases, it requires surgery to remove the appendix and prevent the infection from spreading and causing further damage to the body.
What causes appendicitis?
According to various health sector statistics, 1 in 20 people will suffer from appendicitis at some point in their lives. Although it can occur at any age, appendicitis is rare in children under 2 years of age and is more likely to affect people between the ages of 10 and 30.
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked, often by feces, a foreign body (something inside the body that should not be there), or cancer. The blockage can also be caused by infection, as the appendix can become inflamed in response to any infection in the body.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
First you should know that the appendix is a kind of small bag in a cylindrical shape and is located in the lower right part of the body, that is where the pain is felt.
The main symptoms of appendicitis are:
Pain in the lower abdomen, specifically on the right side or pain near the navel that moves downwards.
Loss of appetite.
Nausea and vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins.
Swelling in the abdominal area.
high fever
inability to pass stool
However, appendicitis is also reflected in less common symptoms, such as:
Sharp pain in other parts of the body such as the upper or lower abdomen, back, or buttocks.
Pain or difficulty urinating.
Vomiting before abdominal pain begins.
Severe cramping.
Constipation (in some cases).
Diarrhea with gas (in other cases).
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid complications. In addition, if you have any of the above symptoms, you should avoid eating and use pain relievers, antacids, laxatives or heating pads.
What is the treatment of appendicitis?
Appendicitis is almost always treated as a surgical emergency. Surgery to remove the appendix is known as an appendectomy and is the standard treatment for almost all cases of appendicitis. Usually, if the doctor suspects appendicitis, the doctor will remove it quickly to prevent the appendix from rupturing. If you have an abscess, you may have two procedures: one to drain the abscess of pus and fluid, and a subsequent procedure to remove the appendix.
What to expect during an appendectomy?
During an appendix removal surgery, general anesthesia is administered so that the patient remains asleep during the procedure. The doctor removes the appendix through a 10-centimeter-long cut or with a device called a laparoscope (a thin, telescope-like tool that allows you to see inside the abdomen). This procedure is called laparoscopy. If you have peritonitis, your surgeon will also clean out your abdomen and drain the pus. You will be able to get up and move around within 12 hours after the procedure; and return to your normal routine in 2 to 3 weeks. If you have a laparoscopy, recovery is faster.
After an appendectomy, you should call your doctor if you present:
Uncontrolled vomiting.
Increased pain in the abdomen.
Dizziness or feeling faint.
Blood in your vomit or urine.
Increased pain and redness where the doctor cut you for surgery.
Fever and pus in the wound.
Complications of apendicitis
If you don’t see a doctor in time, the inflamed appendix can burst and spill bacteria and waste into the abdominal cavity, the central part of the body that houses the liver, stomach, and intestines, leading to peritonitis, a serious inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). It can be fatal if not treated quickly with strong antibiotics. Sometimes an abscess forms outside the inflamed appendix. Scar tissue “separates” the appendix from the rest of the organs. This prevents the infection from spreading. But an abscess in the appendix can tear and also lead to peritonitis.
Prevention of appendicitis
There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, some research has found that appendicitis is less common in people who eat high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. For any body pain or symptoms of appendicitis, see your doctor immediately. An unnecessary complication of this infection could be life-threatening.
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