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Where is your appendix? -

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.

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Causes -

The cause of appendicitis relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix. This leads to increased pressure, impaired blood flow, and inflammation.

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If left untreated... -

If the blockage is not treated, gangrene and rupture of the appendix can occur.

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Common blockage -

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.

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It can affect anyone -

Appendicitis can affect anyone. But some people may be more likely to develop it than others.

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Risk groups -

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.

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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.

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Further symptoms -

People may also have the sensation that a bowel movement will relieve their discomfort.

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Constipation is also common -

Constipation and the inability to pass gas are also common symptoms.

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Symptoms aren't shared by all -

However, it's important to note that not everyone with appendicitis has all those symptoms.

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When to see a doctor -

This is why it's critical to see a doctor immediately if you have concerns or any of the mentioned symptoms with abdominal pain.

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Pregnant women -

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.

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Infants and children -

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.

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Older people -

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.

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Diagnosis -

To determine if a patient has appendicitis, doctors will use a variety of diagnostic tools.

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Medical history -

Asking questions to learn the history of symptoms and a careful physical examination are key in the diagnosis of appendicitis.

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Physical examination -

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.

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Blood test -

Blood tests allow your doctor to check for a high white blood cell count, which may indicate an infection.

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Imaging test -

Some tests for appendicitis include X-rays, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) scans.

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Urine test -

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.

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Treatment -

Once diagnosed, treatment for appendicitis should take place right away.

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Laparotomy -

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).

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Laparoscopy -

Or the surgery can be done through a few small abdominal incisions (laparoscopic surgery).

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Recovery time -

You can get up and move around within 12 hours after surgery, but the recovery takes two to three weeks.

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Antibiotic therapy -

If the diagnosis is unclear, patients may be observed and sometimes treated with antibiotics.

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Complications -

The most serious complication of appendicitis is a rupture. The appendix bursts or tears if appendicitis isn't quickly diagnosed and treated.

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Peritonitis -

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.

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Abscesses -

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.

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Prevention -

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

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