Description

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that sticks out from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen, also called the abdomen.

Appendicitis causes pain in your lower right abdomen. However, in most people, pain begins around the navel and then moves. As the inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe.

Although anyone can develop appendicitis, most often it occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30. Treatment of appendicitis is usually antibiotics and, in most cases, the surgery to remove the appendix.

Symptoms

The symptoms of appendicitis may include:

  • Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower part of the belly.
  • Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen.
  • Pain that worsens with cough, walk or make other movements that shake.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Low-grade fever that may rise as the disease gets worse.
  • Constipation or diarrhea.
  • Belly distension.
  • Gas.

The site of the pain may vary, depending on the age and the position of the appendix. In pregnancy, the pain may seem to come from the upper part of the abdomen due to which the appendix is increased during pregnancy.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a health professional if you or your child has symptoms. Terrible belly pain requires immediate medical attention.

Causes

A blockage in the lining of the appendix, called the light, is the likely cause of appendicitis. This blockage can cause an infection. The bacteria then multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If not treated promptly, the appendix can burst or rupture.

Risk factors

Risk factors for appendicitis include:

  • Age. Anyone can develop appendicitis, most often it occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30.
  • Your sex. Men have a slightly higher risk of appendicitis than females.

Complications

Appendicitis can cause serious complications, such as:

  • A burst appendix. A burst appendix, also called a ruptured appendix, the infection spreads throughout the abdomen, a condition called peritonitis. Possibly life-threatening, this condition requires immediate surgery to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity.
  • A pocket of pus that forms in the abdomen.If the appendix bursts, a pocket of infection may develop. This is called an abscess. In most cases, a surgeon drains the abscess through the placement of a tube through the abdominal wall into the abscess. The tube is left in place for approximately two weeks, and antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the infection. Once the infection is clear, the appendix can be surgically removed. In some people, the abscess is drained, and the appendix is removed immediately.

A pocket of pus that forms in the abdomen. If the appendix bursts, a pocket of infection may develop. This is called an abscess. In most cases, a surgeon drains the abscess through the placement of a tube through the abdominal wall into the abscess. The tube is left in place for approximately two weeks, and antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the infection.

Once the infection is clear, the appendix can be surgically removed. In some people, the abscess is drained, and the appendix is removed immediately.

Diagnosis

To help diagnose appendicitis, a health professional will likely take a history of symptoms and examine your abdomen.

The tests used to diagnose appendicitis include:

  • Physical exam.A health professional can apply a gentle pressure on the painful area. When the pressure is suddenly released, appendicitis, the pain will often feel worse. This is due to the inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum. A care professional can also search for abdominal rigidity and a tendency to flexion of the abdominal muscles in response to the pressure on the inflamed appendix. This is called surveillance. A care professional, you can also use a lubricated, gloved finger to examine the lower rectum. This is called a digital rectal exam. The people of childbearing age may be subjected to a pelvic examination to detect other problems that could be causing the pain.
  • Blood test. This test checks for a high white blood cell count. A high white blood cell count can mean that there is an infection.
  • Urine test. A urine test, also called a urine analysis, it can be done. A urine analysis ensures that a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone is not causing the pain.
  • Imaging tests. Imaging tests can help to confirm appendicitis or find other causes for the pain. These tests may include an abdominal x-ray, an abdominal ultrasound, a ct scan or an mri .

Physical exam. A health professional can apply a gentle pressure on the painful area. When the pressure is suddenly released, appendicitis, the pain will often feel worse. This is due to the inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum.

A care professional can also search for abdominal rigidity and a tendency to flexion of the abdominal muscles in response to the pressure on the inflamed appendix. This is called surveillance.

A care professional, you can also use a lubricated, gloved finger to examine the lower rectum. This is called a digital rectal exam. The people of childbearing age may be subjected to a pelvic examination to detect other problems that could be causing the pain.

Treatment

Appendicitis treatment usually consists of surgery to remove the appendix. Before the surgery, antibiotics to treat the infection can be given.

The surgery to remove the appendix

The appendectomy is a surgery to remove the appendix. Appendectomy can be performed as open surgery through an abdominal cut about 2 to 4 inches long. This is called a laparotomy. The surgery can also be done through small abdominal cuts. This is called laparoscopic surgery. During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon places the special tools and a video camera into the abdomen to remove the appendix.

In general, laparoscopic surgery allows a more rapid recovery and heal with less pain and scarring. May be better for older adults and people with obesity.

But laparoscopic surgery is not suitable for everyone. You may need an open appendectomy if the appendix has ruptured and the infection has spread beyond the appendix, or you have an abscess. An open appendectomy allows your surgeon to clean the abdominal cavity.

Expect to spend 1 to 2 days in the hospital after the appendectomy.

The drainage of an abscess before appendix surgery

If the appendix has burst and an abscess has formed around it, the abscess may be drained. To drain, a tube is placed through the skin into the abscess. Appendectomy can be performed several weeks later, after the infection is under control.

If appendicitis is not serious and does not require surgery, antibiotics may be used alone. However, if the appendix is not removed, there is a greater likelihood of appendicitis to return.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Wait a couple of weeks of recovery from an appendectomy — or more if the appendix burst. To help your body heal:

  • Limit your activity. If the appendectomy is performed laparoscopically, limit your activity during 3 to 5 days. If you had an open appendectomy, limit your activity for 10 to 14 days. Always ask your health care team about the limits of your activity and when you can resume your normal activities after the surgery.
  • The support of your abdomen when coughing. To help reduce the pain, place a pillow on your belly and apply pressure before you cough, laugh or move.
  • Contact your health care team if your pain medications are not helping. Being in pain puts more stress on your body and slows the healing process. If you're still in pain despite taking medications for pain, call a member of your health care team.
  • Get up and move when you're ready. Start slowly and increase your activity as you feel able. Start with short walks.
  • Sleep when he is tired. As your body heals, you may find that you feel more tired than usual. Take it easy and rest when you need to.
  • Talk about going back to work or school with your health care team. You may return to work when you feel ready. Children may be able to return to school less than a week after the surgery. You should expect 2 to 4 weeks to return to certain activities, such as gym classes or sports.

Alternative medicine

You will be prescribed medicines to help control your pain after appendectomy. Other treatments, when used with medications can help control the pain. Ask your health care team about the safe options, such as:

  • Distracting activities, such as listening to music and talking with friends, to take your mind off of your pain. The distraction can be especially effective with children.
  • The practice of meditation to help calm the body. Also make sure you get enough rest.

Preparing for your appointment

Make an appointment with a member of your health care team if you have abdominal pain. If you have appendicitis, it is likely to be hospitalized and referred to a surgeon to remove it.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:

  • Its symptoms, including those that may not appear to be related to the reason for your appointment.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking and the dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care team.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For appendicitis, some basic questions to ask include:

  • I have appendicitis?
  • More evidence is needed?
  • What else could I have in addition to appendicitis?
  • I need surgery and, if so, how soon?
  • What are the risks of appendix removal?
  • How long will I have to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  • How long is recovery?
  • How soon after surgery can I return to work?
  • Can't tell if my appendix exploded?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

You will probably be asked several questions, such as:

  • When did your abdominal pain start?
  • Where does it hurt?
  • The pain moved?
  • How bad is the pain?
  • What makes your pain more severe?
  • What helps relieve the pain?
  • Do you have a fever?
  • Do you feel nausea?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
Symptoms and treatment of Appendicitis