Appendicitis is a condition that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. The appendix is a small, 3 1/2-inch, finger-shaped tube that is attached to the beginning of the colon, the cecum. A small amount of mucus is made in the lining of the colon that drains into the cecum from the center core of the appendix. The appendix also contains lymphatic tissue in the walls of the appendix. Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires surgery in order to remove the appendix. If left untreated, the appendix may rupture and cause further problems.
Causes
Appendicitis is caused by a blockage in the opening of the appendix, where it meets with the cecum. The blockage can occur because of thick mucus that builds up from the appendix, from stool, another foreign body, or cancer. The mucus, stool or foreign body harden over time, completely blocking the opening. Because the appendix normally swells in response to any infection of the body, due to the lymphatic tissue it contains, appendicitis can also be caused by an infection.When blockage in the appendix or infection occur, the bacteria that naturally occur within the appendix begin to multiply rapidly and invade the walls of the appendix. The body responds by attacking the bacteria, causing inflammation to occur.
Symptoms
The most prominent symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain. The pain is typically more generalized in the abdominal area when inflammation first begins. The pain then shifts from the navel area to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain may worsen when walking, coughing or making sudden movements. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting are other early symptoms of appendicitis that begin soon after inflammation occurs. Abdominal bloating, low-grade fever, inability to pass gas, painful urination, constipation or diarrhea also may occur.Treatment
The treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy. Patients are given antibiotics prior to the appendectomy to fight any bacteria that may have spread in the abdomen. The surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia either through a four-inch incision in the abdomen or by laparoscopy. With laparoscopy, a thin laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen via a small incision in the abdomen. Healing time is faster with laparoscopy, due to the smaller incision. Normal activity can resume within two to three weeks of having an appendectomy.If the appendix is not removed in a timely manner, it may become so severely inflamed that it ruptures. When this occurs, the bacteria that was building up inside of the appendix spreads throughout the abdomen, making surgery to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity from the infection necessary. Occasionally when the appendix ruptures, the body forms an abscess that houses the bacteria. When this occurs, surgery is then done to drain the abscess and remove the appendix.
When appendicitis is suspected, a doctor should be immediately contacted so that rupture does not occur. While there is no known prevention for appendicitis, people who eat a diet high in fiber have been found to have a less likely chance of getting appendicitis. It normally occurs in individuals ages ten to 30, but can happen at any age.
Dr. Luis Fandos is a pain management physician.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many solutions are present in the market but no one is perfect. There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis is less common in people who eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. But we provide to you the best Home Remedies For Appendicitis causes no side effects as it is natural.