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Most commonly, feces blocks the inside of the appendix. Also, bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract can lead to swelling of lymph nodes, which squeeze the appendix and cause obstruction.
A ruptured appendix can lead to peritonitis and abscess. Peritonitis is a life-threatening infection that happens when bacteria and other contents of the torn appendix leak into the abdomen.
Appendicitis can affect anyone. But some people may be more likely to develop it than others.
The cause of appendicitis relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix. This leads to increased pressure, impaired blood flow, and inflammation.
If the diagnosis is unclear, patients may be observed and sometimes treated with antibiotics.
In people with appendicitis, an abscess usually appears as a swollen mass filled with fluid and bacteria. In a few patients, complications of appendicitis can lead to organ failure and death.
Some tests for appendicitis include X-rays, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) scans.
To determine if a patient has appendicitis, doctors will use a variety of diagnostic tools.
Blood tests allow your doctor to check for a high white blood cell count, which may indicate an infection.
Symptoms vary widely among children and aren't as standard as those in adults. So if you think your child has appendicitis, contact a doctor immediately.
To assess your pain, your doctor will apply gentle pressure on the painful area. When the pressure is suddenly released, appendicitis pain will often feel worse, signaling an inflammation.
Many people who develop appendicitis during pregnancy do not experience the classic symptoms, especially in the third trimester. Therefore, it's important that a pregnant individual who experiences pain on the right side of the abdomen contact a doctor.
While it can occur in those of any age or gender, appendicitis most often affects men in their twenties. Additionally, people who have a family history of appendicitis are at heightened risk of developing it.
There’s no sure way to prevent appendicitis. But you might be able to lower your risk of developing it by eating a fiber-rich diet.
Sources: (Verywell Health) (Healthline)
See also: Easy ways to get more fiber in your diet
The most serious complication of appendicitis is a rupture. The appendix bursts or tears if appendicitis isn't quickly diagnosed and treated.
Acute appendicitis is treated by surgery to remove the appendix. The removal can be performed as open surgery using one abdominal incision about two to four inches (five to 10 cm) long (a laparotomy).
Usually having more medical problems than a younger person, many older adults don't know that they have a serious problem until the appendix is close to rupturing. A slight fever and abdominal pain on one's right side are reasons to call a doctor right away.
If the blockage is not treated, gangrene and rupture of the appendix can occur.
Constipation and the inability to pass gas are also common symptoms.
Appendicitis manifests as a sharp pain in your upper abdomen or bellybutton area, which then moves to the lower right quadrant of your abdomen. Some people may also experience loss of appetite and nausea.
People may also have the sensation that a bowel movement will relieve their discomfort.
Once diagnosed, treatment for appendicitis should take place right away.
The appendix is a long tube of tissue that extends from your large intestine on the lower right side of your body. It has specialized tissue that can make antibodies, but its purpose is unknown.
This is why it's critical to see a doctor immediately if you have concerns or any of the mentioned symptoms with abdominal pain.
You can get up and move around within 12 hours after surgery, but the recovery takes two to three weeks.
However, it's important to note that not everyone with appendicitis has all those symptoms.
Asking questions to learn the history of symptoms and a careful physical examination are key in the diagnosis of appendicitis.
Or the surgery can be done through a few small abdominal incisions (laparoscopic surgery).
Your doctor may want you to have an urinalysis to make sure that a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone isn't causing the pain.
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small, tube-like structure attached to the first part of the large intestine. It's a medical emergency that almost always requires surgery as soon as possible to remove the appendix. The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen, but it has no known function. Luckily, this means you can live just fine without it.
So, how do you know you're experiencing appendicitis, and what causes it? Click on to find out.
Everything you need to know about appendicitis
Do you know the symptoms and causes of appendicitis?
HEALTH Medical emergencies
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small, tube-like structure attached to the first part of the large intestine. It's a medical emergency that almost always requires surgery as soon as possible to remove the appendix. The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen, but it has no known function. Luckily, this means you can live just fine without it.
So, how do you know you're experiencing appendicitis, and what causes it? Click on to find out.