Appendicitis
What is it?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. The
appendix is a worm-shaped pouch that projects from the
cecum, which is the point at which the large intestine
joins the small intestine. The appendix is located in the
lower right abdomen and is not essential to the body’s
function.
Who gets it?
Anyone can get appendicitis, and it is the most common
reason for emergency abdominal surgery. Appendicitis is
most likely to occur between the ages of 10 and 30. It
occurs most often in boys between the ages of 10 and 14
and girls 15 to 19. It is less common in the elderly and
infants.
What causes it?
Researchers are not sure what causes appendicitis, but
think it may be a blockage between the large intestine and
appendix, or a viral or bacterial infection.
What are the symptoms?
An inflamed appendix causes mild to severe pain that
moves from the navel to the lower right abdomen. The lower
right abdomen may be extremely sensitive to touch and the
pain is often worse with movement and strain, such as
sneezing, coughing, or taking a deep breath. Other
symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite,
fever, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and a swollen
abdomen. However, some people may not experience all of
these symptoms. An inflamed appendix can become so swollen
that it ruptures, spilling its infected contents into the
abdominal cavity. This can cause a life-threatening
infection called peritonitis. Never treat appendicitis
symptoms with laxatives or enemas because they can cause
the inflamed appendix to rupture. A ruptured appendix that
is not treated immediately can cause death.
How is it diagnosed?
A diagnosis of appendicitis is based upon a physical
examination and the patient’s symptoms. The doctor will
ask you about the location of the pain and how long you
have felt it. He or she will press gently on your abdomen
to check for tenderness and swelling in the area of the
appendix. The doctor may order blood tests to check for a
high white blood count, which is a sign of infection, and
ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans to check the
condition of the appendix. He or she may order additional
tests to rule out other disorders, such as urinary tract
infections, tubal pregnancies, and bowel obstructions,
that can cause similar symptoms. If you are a woman and
your doctor suspects a cause other than appendicitis, he
or she might recommend a laparoscopic study. A small,
lighted viewing tube, called a laparoscope, is inserted
into a small incision in the abdomen to check for
disorders of the reproductive system.
What is the treatment?
Appendicitis is treated with surgery to remove the
appendix, called an appendectomy. This surgery is usually
performed as soon as possible after the diagnosis has been
made to avoid a rupture. In many cases, appendectomies can
be performed with laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon makes
a small incision in the abdomen and inserts the
laparoscope. The laparoscope is like a tiny video camera
that gives the surgeon a clear view of the abdominal area.
Other small incisions are made to insert the surgical
instruments used to remove the appendix. Because the
appendix is not necessary to the body’s function, people
who have an appendectomy make a full recovery and are able
to continue with life as usual.
Self-care tips
There is no known way to prevent appendicitis. However,
a healthy lifestyle, including a diet high in fiber and
antioxidants, as well as moderate exercise, goes a long
way in preventing illness and disease.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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