Appendicitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
The problem of appendicitis happens when there is a chronic or acute inflammation of appendix. It is considered to be one of the most common causes of abdominal pain finally resulting in surgery. If it is left untreated, the appendix can burst to spill the bacterial content in the abdominal cavity leading to fatal consequences.
What is appendicitis?
There is a finger sized tube which is located near the joint of small and large intestines. Its exact location is near the lower right side of the belly. Though it has no known function in the modern human, if it gets infected, it has to be treated immediately. The pain resulting from an appendix inflammation may come on and off or it can be a severe sudden pain caused by the rupturing of the same.
Who can get Appendicitis?
Appendicitis can take place at any age and time. However, it commonly happens among people in their twenties as well as in their teens. However, even the school going elementary school kids can develop this problem.
What are the different causes of appendicitis?
There is no clear evidence as to what are the exact causes of appendicitis. However, there are some common causes that are said to trigger an inflammation, swelling or irritation in the appendix. The commonly perceived appendicitis causes are as follows:
- Abdominal trauma or injury
- An infection in the digestive tract
- A blockage in the opening where the intestines are connected to the appendix
- Bacterial or fungal growth in the appendix
- Buildup of hardened stool
- Intestinal worms
- Enlargening of lymphoid follicles
- Inflammatory bowel disease
However, in many cases the cause of appendicitis is unknown.
What are the Common Appendicitis Symptoms?
One of the key symptom of appendicitis burst or infection is severe abdominal pain in lower right hand side of the belly. Other common appendicitis symptoms are:
- Abdominal tenderness or pain that can worsen on coughing, sneezing, inhaling or moving
- Constipation
- Swollen belly
- Diarrhea
- Low Grade fever
- Vomiting and nausea
- Flatulence
The appendicitis symptoms often start with mild cramping which worsens over time. It often becomes a medical emergency quickly.
What is the treatment for appendicitis?
Most people diagnosed with appendicitis require an appendix surgery called appendectomy. This surgery requires removal of the diseased appendix from the body. If the appendix is yet to burst, surgery helps in preventing the rupture while keeping the infection from spreading throughout the body. In many milder cases, appendicitis gets better with the antibiotics alone. However, in case the appendix bursts, the only way to treat the abdominal infection is through surgery. Most of the appendicitis surgeries are done through laparoscopic procedures where small incisions are made over the abdomen & infected appendix is removed. This helps in better and faster healing.
Final Thoughts
If left untreated, appendicitis is a serious condition that can prove to be fatal. There are innumerable infections that can be developed in case of a burst appendix. Visit your nearest doctor for diagnosis if you ever experience any kind of abdominal pain. Contact Accord hospitals for more information and appointment for appendix treatment in Delhi/NCR.
