Appendicitis Information

Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix, a small balloon shaped organ in the lower digestive tract, becomes inflamed. Characterized by severe abdominal pain starting from your navel, the symptoms can be slightly difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are similar to that of gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection or kidney stone. It is a common cause for abdominal surgery in America. If not treated promptly, the appendix can burst open and leak infection in the body. Pain is the most conspicuous appendix symptom common among most appendicitis patients.

Appendicitis Symptoms - When Is It Time To Be Suspicious?

You need to take cognizance of the changes taking place in your body, so that you do not delay appendicitis treatment.

Some of the appendix symptoms are:

Pain in the lower right abdomen area
Reduced appetite
Vomiting
Nausea
Constipation
Diarrhea
Chills
Shaking

As the disease progresses and the swelling increases in the appendix, the pain shifts from around the belly button area to the lower abdomen, especially on the right side.

Chronic appendicitis symptoms are usually more easily identifiable. The pain becomes worse over a period of 12 to 24 hours after you first experience it. Sometimes, the appendicitis goes unnoticed, and the appendix may rupture. You will experience a small amount of pain and then no pain at all. However, this is a serious condition and may cause your abdominal cavity to swell up. Internal infection that can be caused by the ruptured appendix is called peritonitis. In chronic appendicitis the pain becomes more severe when you cough or walk. Sudden movements also cause severe pain. You may also experience signs of pain on left side.

Appendix Pain Treatment

The only cure for appendicitis is the removal of the infected appendix. However, if you are scheduled for a surgery, you can try some simple lifestyle changes to control the pain. If you experience pain in the appendix, try and avoid any strenuous activity. You may also try and support your abdomen when you cough. You can also use some over the counter pain medications to help with the pain, but discuss the use of such medications with your doctor before consuming them.

Causes:

A lot of people wonder ‘is appendicitis hereditary?’ but the simple answer to this question is no. Appendicitis is not a hereditary disorder. It is caused when the opening of the appendix is blocked by food waste or a hard piece of fecal stone is trapped in the appendix. The condition may also be caused due to formation of a cancerous or a benign tumor on the appendix.

Appendicitis may also be caused due to an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. A viral infection in any of the gastrointestinal organs may cause inflammation in the organs and the infection may spread to the appendix. As the bacteria or the virus multiply, the appendix becomes filled with pus and gets inflamed. If the appendix is not removed immediately, it can rupture.

Side Effects:

Appendicitis often comes alone, but sometimes, there may be certain complications as well. The rupture of an appendix may cause abnormal connections between various abdominal organs. Sometimes, appendicitis may also cause fistulas on the skin surface. You may also develop an abscess. Other complications of appendix include blockages in the intestines and peritonitis, which is an infection inside the abdomen. Peritonitis usually occurs when the appendix ruptures and the infection spreads to some of the other parts of the digestive system. The surgery itself has some complications and side effects. For instance, an infection of the surgical wound may become serious and cause other complications of the digestive system. If the surgery is not performed correctly, you may develop abscesses and infections in your digestive organs. If you experience any of these complications or side effects, you should visit your doctor immediately and get yourself checked out.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001302/
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/appendicitis/

Submitted on May 30, 2012