Appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, most often surgical removal of the appendix, to prevent it from rupturing. A ruptured appendix can spread infection throughout the abdomen and can be life-threatening.
Symptoms :
Classic symptoms of appendicitis can vary by age, but they typically develop rapidly over 24 hours. Key signs include:
- Abdominal pain: Often begins near the belly button and moves to the lower right side of the abdomen, intensifying over time. The pain worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low-grade fever
- Belly bloating and gas
- Changes in bowel habits: Constipation or diarrhea.
Causes :
Appendicitis usually results from an obstruction inside the appendix, which leads to bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. Common causes of the blockage include:
- Hardened stool or fecal matter
- Swollen lymphoid tissue, often due to an infection in the digestive tract
- Parasites
- Tumors
Diagnosis :
A doctor will use a combination of methods to diagnose appendicitis:
- Physical examination: The doctor will check for tenderness and guarding in the abdomen.
- Blood tests: A high white blood cell count can indicate an infection.
- Imaging tests: An abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan can confirm inflammation of the appendix.
Treatment :
The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix, a procedure known as an appendectomy.
- Appendectomy: Surgeons typically perform a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, though open surgery may be necessary for a ruptured appendix or other complications.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are given to control infection before surgery and are sometimes used as the sole treatment for very mild cases. However, surgery is the standard to prevent recurrence.
- Abscess Drainage: If the appendix bursts and an abscess forms, a doctor may first drain the pus before performing the appendectomy several weeks later