The appendix is an organ with no apparent function, located near the intestine and the colon in the lower right part of the abdomen. Sometimes it can be blocked by an infection and cause inflammation; so far, this condition is not severe; however, when the appendix ruptures due to inflammation, we find peritonitis. Appendicitis is the leading cause of abdominal surgeries; it is usually more common in men than in women between 10 and 30. At FastlyHeal, we explain Appendicitis’s symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Table of Contents
Symptoms
The symptoms of Appendicitis are usually not very clear, so it can be confused with other ailments and delay the diagnosis of it. However, abdominal pain on the right side is the most representative symptom of Appendicitis. There may also be pain around the navel that increases and worsens when walking, coughing or making sudden movements, vomiting, and fever. You may feel less pain for a short time, indicating that the appendix has ruptured, and the pain will soon worsen. Other signs that you may have Appendicitis are diarrhea or hard stools, chills, and nausea.
Causes
The leading cause of Appendicitis is the blockage of the appendix by feces, by a foreign body that could be ingested, or by contact with parasites and bacteria such as Yersinia. It rarely refers to a tumor.
From these causes, Appendicitis can go through four stages:
- Uncomplicated Appendicitis: When the appendix becomes blocked, bacteria increase, causing the appendix to become inflamed, although it can only be detected microscopically, as it will appear normal.
- Phlegmonous Appendicitis: at this point, the blood cannot circulate correctly, and the appendix tends to relax due to the increase in internal pressure, this causes more inflammation, and the appearance of the appendix is red.
- Gangrenous Appendicitis: the walls of the appendix weaken, so they begin to necrotize and secrete pus.
- Perforated Appendicitis: everything that was obstructing the appendix is expelled inwards since the walls of the appendix have completely weakened, causing peritonitis.
Treatment
The appendix will be removed most of the time to remove the inflammation. Laparoscopy is one of the methods used to treat this condition; small incisions are made in the abdomen to see the interior and operate through instruments; with this surgery, the recovery time and the postoperative period are pretty fast. On the other hand, there is the laparotomy, the incision, in this case, is more extensive, and the appendix is removed manually. Only in cases where the Appendicitis is very advanced will it be treated with antibiotics, and the removal will be done later.
If the appendix ruptures during surgery, recovery will be slower and lead to other problems such as abscesses, peritonitis, pilefeblitis, and bowel obstruction.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Appendicitis: symptoms, causes and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.