Digestive System Disorders

Resources and information on ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease, IBS, diverticulitus, and other common digestive ailments

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Appendicitis

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a common condition where the appendix becomes inflamed.The appendix is a worm shaped pouch that is attached to the beginning of the large intestine and has no known function inside the body.However, this small organ can become diseased and the result can become life threatening if left untreated. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked by cancer, a foreign body, fecal matter or when the appendix responds by swelling due to an infection occurring elsewhere in the body. The mortality from untreated appendicitis results mostly from peritonitis and shock.

What Are The Symptoms of Appendicitis?

Symptoms of appendicitis include:

  • Abdominal pain that is located first around the area of the belly button and moves to the lower right side. Pain may intensify when the patient is moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing and the area may become tender.
  • inability to pass gas
  • constipation or diarrheal
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea and vomiting
  • abdominal swelling
  • low fever that begins after other symptoms

Note that some people may also experience an urge for a bowel movement and not everyone with the condition would have all the symptoms that are listed above. Other people with special conditions may simply experience a general feeling of being unwell. Among those include:

  • obese people
  • diabetics
  • cancer patients or those receiving chemotherapy
  • people with HIV
  • transplanted organ recipients
  • people who use steroids or other immunosuppressive therapy
  • people who are elderly
  • infants and young children
  • women who are pregnant


How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

Appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose because conditions such as
ectopic pregnancies, kidney stones, ovarian cysts and Crohn's disease
have similar symptoms; however, several tests can be done to rule those conditions out. The physician will examine the abdomen by feeling the tender area for abdominal rigidity as well as stiffened abdominal muscles in response to pressure over the inflamed appendix. Other tests in the diagnosis are also added and include blood and urine tests as well as imaging tests. These imaging tests include an ultrasound scan or an abdominal x-ray to help confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis or find other causes for the pain.

How Is Appendicitis Treated?

Once a diagnosis of Appendicitis has been made, surgery is necessary to remove the inflamed organ. The surgery, called an appendectomy, has two options that are available. One of the options consists of an
incision that is made in the right lower part of the abdomen while the other option uses a laparoscope, which requires three to four smaller incisions. The recovery time is anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks and is generally very easy.

Even though Appendicitis is a common ailment, it is also considered a medical emergency and fatal if it is not treated. If you experience any of the symptoms that was mentioned in this article, please see your physician immediately to get an adequate diagnosis and treatment. Even though there is no way to prevent appendicitis, it is found that people who eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are less likely to develop the disease.

***DISCLAIMER***
This site is meant only to provide information and resources about digestive system disorders. It is not meant to diagnose any digestive problems. If you suspect you may have some digestive disorder, then please, see your doctor, and get his professional opinion and advice.