Appendicitis is an inflammation of the
appendix, a piece of tube-like of tissue
that extends from the large intestine. No
one is absolutely certain what the
function of the appendix is. One thing we
do know: We can live without it, without
apparent consequences. It requires prompt surgery to remove the
appendix. If left untreated, an inflamed
appendix will eventually burst, or
perforate, spilling infectious materials
into the abdominal cavity. This can lead
to peritonitis, a serious inflammation of
the abdominal cavity’s lining (the
peritoneum) that can be fatal unless it is
treated quickly with strong antibiotics
Sometimes a pus-filled abscess (infection
that is walled off from the rest of the
body) forms outside the inflamed
appendix. Scar tissue then “walls off” the
appendix from the rest of the abdomen,
preventing infection from spreading. An
abscessed appendix is a less urgent
situation, but unfortunately, it can’t be
identified without surgery. For this
reason, all cases of appendicitis are
treated as emergencies, requiring
surgery. Appendicitis is most common
between ages 10 and 30.


What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix
becomes blocked, often by stool, a
foreign body, or cancer. Blockage may
also occur from infection, since the
appendix swells in response to any
infection in the body.

Symptoms of Appendicitis?

The classic symptoms of appendicitis
include:

¤Dull pain near the navel or the upper
abdomen that becomes sharp as it
moves to the lower right abdomen.
This is usually the first sign.
¤Loss of appetite
¤Nausea and/or vomiting soon after
abdominal pain begins
¤Abdominal swelling
¤Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit
¤Inability to pass gas

Almost half the time, other symptoms of
appendicitis appear, including:

¤Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the
upper or lower abdomen, back, or
rectum
¤Painful urination
¤Vomiting that precedes the
abdominal pain
¤Severe cramps
¤Constipation or diarrhoea with gas

If you have any of the mentioned
symptoms, seek medical attention
immediately, because timely diagnosis
and treatment is very important. Do not
eat, drink, or use any pain remedies,
antacids, laxatives, or heating pads,
which can cause an inflamed appendix
to rupture.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing appendicitis can be tricky.
Symptoms of appendicitis are frequently
vague or extremely similar to other
ailments, including gallbladder
problems, bladder or urinary tract
infection, Crohn’s disease, gastritis,
intestinal infection, and ovary problems.

The following tests are usually used to
make the diagnosis:

¤Abdominal examination to detect
inflammation
¤Urine test to rule out a urinary tract
infection
¤Rectal exam
¤Blood test to see if your body is
fighting infection
¤CT scans and/or ultrasound


How Is Appendicitis Treated?

Surgery to remove the appendix, which is
called an APPENDECTOMY, is the
standard treatment for appendicitis.
Generally, if appendicitis is suspected,
doctors tend to err on the side of safety
and quickly remove the appendix to
avoid its rupture. If the appendix has
formed an abscess, you may have two
procedures: one to drain the abscess of
pus and fluid, and a later one to remove
the appendix. However, there is some
research showing that treatment of acute
appendicitis with antibiotics may
eliminate the need for surgery.


Appendectomy: Expectations
Antibiotics are given before an
appendectomy to fight possible
peritonitis. General anaesthesia is
usually given, and the appendix is
removed through a 4-inch incision or by
laparoscopy. If you have peritonitis, the
abdomen is also irrigated and drained of
pus.

Within 12 hours of surgery you may get
up and move around. You can usually
return to normal activities in two to three
weeks. If surgery is done with a
laparoscope (a thin telescope-like
instrument for viewing inside the
abdomen), the incision is smaller and
recovery is faster.

After an appendectomy, call your doctor
if you have:
¤Uncontrolled vomiting
¤Increased pain in your abdomen
¤Dizziness/feelings of faintness
¤Blood in your vomit or urine
¤Increased pain and redness in your
incision
¤Fever
¤Pus in the wound
¤Can Appendicitis Be Prevented?
¤There is no way to prevent appendicitis.

However, appendicitis is less common in
people who eat foods high in fibre, such
as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Stay Healthy!!!

Source: www.doctorsays.com.ng/all-you-need-to-know-about-appendicitis/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44 seun

Symptoms of appendicitis can include loss of appetite, sudden pain which begins on the right side of your lower abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. Click on the link below to know more.
http://www.gigihealth.com/symptoms-of-appendicitis-complications-of-appendicitis/

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