subject: Everything To Know About Appendicitis Symptoms [print this page] "Des - Appendicitis is described as the painful swelling and infection of the appendix. The appendix is a non-vital organ that looks like a fingerlike pouch which is attached to the large intestine and is located in the lower right portion of the abdominal cavity.
Appendicitis
Definition of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is described as the painful swelling and infection of the appendix. The appendix is a non-vital organ that looks like a fingerlike pouch which is attached to the large intestine and is located in the lower right portion of the abdominal cavity.
Causes of Appendicitis
Any obstruction of the appendiceal lumen will result in appendicitis. Mucus will remain in the appendiceal lumen, causing bacteria that usually inhabit the inside of the appendix to proliferate. Because of this, the appendix will swell and become infected. The blockage may be as a result of any of the following.
Trauma to the abdominal area
Faeces, parasites, or growths that may block the appendiceal lumen.
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis
Enlarged lymph tissue in the wall of the appendix, that is as a result of an infection in the gastrointestinal tract or another place in the body
If an inflamed appendix is not removed it can rupture. When this occurs the infection may spread all over the abdomen. This is describedas the probably life-threatening condition; peritonitis.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
The most pronounced symptom of appendicitis will be extreme abdominal pain. It will happen quite suddenly and will feel overwhelming. It will worsen with the passage of a few hours. This symptom may be associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, fever, abdominal swelling and so on.
Treatment for Appendicitis
Surgery
Generally, Often, Normally, Customarily, appendicitis is alleviated by removing the appendix. If the physician believes that the individual is affected by appendicitis, emergency surgery will be carried out. Quick surgery lessens the probability that the appendix will rupture.
This type of surgery is refered to as an appendectomy and may be performed in two ways. The older method is refered to as laparotomy. The newer method is refered to as laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery results in much fewer complications including hospital-related infections and fortunately needs a shorter recovery time.
On some occasions it is discovered during surgery that the appendix is unaffected. In these situations many surgeons will take out the healthy appendix to reduce the risk of appendicitis in the future. Sometimes surgery may indicate another issue. In those cases surgery to correct another problem is carried out.
Nonsurgical Treatment
If a person is not sufficiently healthy to endure surgery or if the diagnosis is not adequately proven a non surgical treatment option may be offered. There is research that has indicated that appendicitis can be alleviated without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment will include antibiotics to eliminate infection and will also require a soft diet until the individual has recovered.
Prognosis
Sufficient care will ensure that most people will recover from appendicitis. Once a person has recovered they are able to eat as they regularly would. It will take generally four to six weeks to recover completely. During this period it is recommended that the individual restricts most forms of physical activity.
