Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch on the lower right side of your belly that projects from your colon.
The pain in your lower right abdomen is caused by appendicitis. In most patients, though, pain begins about the navel and subsequently spreads. Appendicitis discomfort usually worsens as the inflammation worsens, finally becoming severe.
Appendicitis can affect anyone however, it is most common in adults between the ages of 10 and 30. Surgical removal of the appendix is the standard treatment.
Appendicitis can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Pain that starts on the right side of the lower abdomen and spreads to the left
- Sudden pain starts around the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen.
- Coughing, walking, or other jarring movements aggravate the pain.
- Low-grade fever, which may become more severe as the illness advances
Depending on your age and the position of your appendix, the location of your discomfort may differ. Because your appendix is higher during pregnancy, the discomfort may appear to originate in your upper abdomen.
Causes
Appendicitis is caused by an obstruction in the lining of the appendix, which leads to infection. The germs multiply quickly, inflaming, swelling, and filling the appendix with pus. The appendix might rupture if not treated quickly.
Appendicitis can lead to a number of significant consequences, including:
- An appendix that has ruptured. The infection spreads throughout your abdomen as a result of a rupture (peritonitis). This illness, which is potentially life-threatening, necessitates emergency surgery to remove the appendix and clean your abdominal cavity.
- A pus-filled pouch arises in the abdomen. If your appendix explodes, you can get an infection pocket (abscess).
Your doctor will most likely collect a history of your signs and symptoms and inspect your belly to help diagnose appendicitis.
The following tests and methods are used to diagnose appendicitis:
- Exam to determine the cause of your pain. The uncomfortable spot may be gently pressed by your doctor. Appendicitis pain usually gets worse when the pressure is suddenly lifted, indicating that the neighboring peritoneum is irritated. Abdominal tightness and a tendency to tense your abdominal muscles in reaction to pressure over the inflamed appendix may also be looked for by your doctor (guarding).
- Your doctor may inspect your lower rectum with a greased, gloved finger (digital rectal exam). A pelvic exam may be performed on women of childbearing age to rule out any gynecological issues that could be causing the pain.
- A blood test is required. This allows your doctor to check for infection by looking for a high white blood cell count.
- A urine test is performed. Your doctor may order a urinalysis to rule out a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone as the source of your discomfort.
- Imaging tests are performed. To diagnose appendicitis or rule out other causes of pain, your doctor may order an abdominal X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The inflamed appendix is frequently removed during appendicitis treatment. Antibiotics may be given to you before surgery to prevent infection. The appendix is removed during surgery (appendectomy)
- Appendectomy can be done as an open operation with a 2 to 4 inch (5 to 10 centimeter) long abdominal incision (laparotomy). Alternatively, the procedure can be performed through a few minor abdominal incisions (laparoscopic surgery). The surgeon puts special surgical equipment and a video camera into your belly during a laparoscopic appendectomy to remove your appendix.
- Laparoscopic surgery, in general, allows you to heal faster and with less discomfort and scarring. However, not everyone is a candidate for laparoscopic surgery. If your appendix has ruptured and the infection has spread beyond it or you have an abscess, you may require an open appendectomy, which permits the surgeon to clean the abdominal cavity. After your appendectomy, expect to spend one or two days in the hospital. Before appendix surgery, an abscess must be drained. If your appendix bursts and abscess forms around it, the abscess can be drained by inserting a tube into the abscess via your skin. After the infection has been controlled for several weeks, an appendectomy can be performed.
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