appendics
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to
the cecum, the beginning of the colon, on the lower right side of the
abdomen. The appendix is not necessary for life, but it can become
diseased. If untreated, an inflamed appendix can burst, causing infection
and even death. Appendicitis can affect people at any age. It is most
common in people ages 10 to 30.
The cause of appendicitis is usually unknown. It may occur after a
viral infection in the digestive tract or when the opening connecting the
large intestine and appendix is blocked. The inflammation can cause
infection, a blood clot, or rupture of the appendix. Because of the risk
of rupture, appendicitis is considered an emergency. Anyone with symptoms
needs to see a doctor immediately. Symptoms include
- pain in the right side of the abdomen
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- inability to pass gas
- low fever that begins after other symptoms
- abdominal swelling
- anorexia
The pain usually begins near the navel and moves down and to the right.
The pain becomes worse when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing,
sneezing, and being touched in the area.
Not everyone has all the symptoms. People with symptoms of appendicitis
should not take laxatives or enemas to relieve constipation because these
medicines could cause the appendix to burst. Pain medicine can mask
symptoms that the doctor needs to know about, so it should not be used
before consulting a doctor when appendicitis is suspected.
The doctor bases an appendicitis diagnosis on symptoms, a physical
exam, blood tests to check for signs of infection such as a high white
blood cell count, and urine tests to rule out a urinary tract infection.
Usually doctors use CT scan or ultrasound to see whether the appendix
looks inflamed.
Early, mild appendicitis may sometimes be cured with antibiotics. More
serious cases are treated with surgery to remove the appendix, called an
appendectomy. Doctors may use laparoscopic surgery for appendectomy. This
technique involves making several tiny cuts in the abdomen and inserting a
miniature camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon then removes the
appendix with the instruments, so there is usually no need to make a large
incision in the abdomen. People can live a normal life without their
appendix--changes in diet, exercise, or other lifestyle factors are not
necessary.
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