Every year, millions of people all through the world suffer from appendicitis that result into emergency surgeries and sometime more severe conditions. Appendix, although a small 3 ½ inch long tube, extending from the large intestine with no major functions, can be life threatening if the Appendicitis Symptoms are not diagnosed at the right time. The function of the organ is not certain in our body. But, if removed, our body functions normally without showing any changes in our body system.

What is Appendicitis?

Inflammation in our appendix is normally termed as appendicitis. And, once it starts, the inflammation cannot be eased with medications or other medical therapies, thus leaving no option but an emergency surgery. As a result, appendicitis is considered an emergency medical condition. After the surgery, patients suffer no severe health conditions and recover without pain or difficulty. However, if the treatment for appendicitis is delayed leading to the rupturing of appendix, the condition of the patient may become life threatening. When the appendix ruptures, it spills out infectious materials all through our abdominal cavity which leads to peritonitis. Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum (inner lining of the abdominal cavity). This is a fatal condition and may lead to death if the patient is not administered with strong antibiotics for controlling the inflammation.

Any person may suffer from appendicitis. However, according to the records, it is seen to occur in people aged between 10 and 30 years.

Appendicitis Causes

Blockage within the appendix is the main cause of appendicitis. The blockage is known as lumen. When the appendix gets blocked, it results into a sudden increase in the blood pressure in the affected area. This stops the blood flow and thus leads to inflammation in the appendix. If the lumen in the appendix is not treated, it leads to gangrene and finally rupture of the organ.

In our body, the appendix is situated in the right side, just lower to the abdomen and is an extension of the larger intestine. Thus, the appendix mainly gets blocked by feces, any foreign body or even by cancer. Many a times, viral or bacterial infection in the digestive tract can cause swelling in the lymph nodes. This swelling leads to slight squeezing of the appendix which may further cause appendicitis. Also, traumatic injury to the abdominal area can cause appendicitis in people. However, in order to avoid the emergency conditions, it is important that you keep a check on the Appendicitis Symptoms and get the appendix operated in time.

Appendicitis Symptoms

Below are the basic Appendicitis Symptoms:

• Slight pain in the upper abdomen or near the naval which gradually becomes sharp towards the lower right abdomen. This pain is the first and most important of all Appendicitis Symptoms.
• Sudden loss of appetite
• Abdominal swelling
• Nausea or vomiting right after the pain in abdomen.
• Fever measuring between 99° F to 102° F
• Problem in passing out gas

The other symptoms include:

• Sharp or dull pain near lower abdomen, rectum or even the back.
• Pain during urination
• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea or constipation with gas problem

Call your doctor, if any of these Appendicitis Symptoms match with your health condition. Also, if you are suffering from these conditions, avoid taking in antacids, heating pads, laxatives, etc. which may increase the inflammation in the appendix and lead to its rupture.

Appendicitis Diagnosis

Diagnosis of appendicitis is very tricky. The Appendicitis Symptoms are usually vague or also similar to the symptoms of other conditions such as gallbladder problems, Urinary tract infection, intestinal infection, Crohn’s disease, ovary problems, etc.

However, the condition can be diagnosed through the below mentioned tests.

• Abdominal examination for detecting inflammation
• Urine test for detecting Urinary tract infection
• Rectal examination
• Blood test (for other infections)
• Ultrasound or CT scans

Appendicitis Treatment

Surgery is the only treatment for appendicitis and the surgery is called appendectomy. When appendicitis is detected in a patient, the main concern of all doctors is to get the appendix removed before it bursts and causes infection.

But, if the appendix gets ruptured, then in such a condition, medical experts follow the two following procedures.

• Drain out the pus and fluid from the body.
• And then, remove the appendix.

Patients are administered with antibiotics to fight the possible condition of peritonitis. They are injected with general anesthesia and then operated to remove the appendix. A 4-inch incision is made near the location of the appendix. The appendix can also be removed through laparoscopy wherein, a thin instrument called laparoscope, similar to a telescope, is used for removing the appendix. The laparoscope is induced through a small puncture on the abdominal area. The incision is much smaller and hence leads to faster recovery.

Within merely 12 hours of appendectomy, the patient can get up and move about, while they can get back to their regular activities with 2-3 weeks. However, make sure you consult your doctor if you suffer from the following Appendicitis Symptoms after appendectomy.

• Increased pain in abdomen
• Vomiting
• Blood in urine or vomit
• Redness near the incision
• Pus in the wound
• fever

How to prevent Appendicitis?

You cannot prevent appendicitis. But, according to studies, people eating more vegetables, fruits, and high fiber food are less prone to appendicitis. So, eat healthy and stay away from appendicitis.