Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. It occurs at any age, but is more common in people aged between 10 and 30. Appendicitis can quickly become a medical emergency, which if left untreated, can lead to the occurrence of localized, then generalized peritonitis, toxic-septic shock and death.
Indigestion or the accumulation of abdominal gas can produce appendicitis-like symptoms. If the symptoms persist for more than a day, or if they cause pain or discomfort that can not be sustained, consult with a doctor.
Symptoms
- Pain in the lower right side of the abdomen;
- Loss of appetite;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Constipation;
- Cramps;
- Abdominal edema;
- Fever
In appendicitis, pain can start with mild, sporadic cramps that tend to become regular and severe. Also, in some cases, appendicitis may affect urination.
The condition is primarily associated with the presence of abdominal pain, but it can also be felt in the side or back. The pain gets worse at sudden movements, while walking or even coughing.
In adolescence, appendicitis may begin as a vague pain around the navel. This pain can progress to the lower right side of the abdomen.
Causes
The cause of appendicitis is generally unknown. It can usually be caused by the obstruction of the appendix’s cavity due to a bacterial-stimulated lymphatic proliferation or a small foreign bodies (such as fruit seeds). Obstruction may also be caused by accumulation of feces.
Bacteria multiply inside the organ, leading to the formation of pus. Increased pressure can be painful and can compress the blood vessels in the area. Lack of blood flow in the appendage can cause gangrene.
If the infected appendix is not surgically removed, the infection may cause it to crack or tear. Thus, the infection spreads in the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a physical examination by palpating the area at the bottom right of the abdomen. In the case of appendix perforation, the abdomen may appear larger.
Subsequently, the doctor will request a complete blood test, which will cause a bacterial infection. Bacterial infection is often correlated with appendicitis.
Urine tests can also exclude a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone. Pregnancy tests may exclude suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy.
Treatments
Treatment for appendicitis varies. In most cases, however, surgery will be required. The type of surgery will depend on the particular details of your situation.
In the case of an infection that did not cause a rupture of the appendix, your doctor might first prescribe antibiotics.
After the surgery, you should typically be able to move freely after around 12 hours. Full recovery time is around 2-3 weeks. This is shorter in the case of a laparoscopy – a lesser invasive type of surgery.
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