According to the NIH, about 5 to 9 of every 100 people get affected by appendicitis in their lifetime.
Appendicitis is a condition that causes intense pain and often requires emergency treatment. It is also one of the most common conditions that causes intense pain on the lower side of the abdomen. Often, the appendix disrupts the quality of life, and it worsens when left untreated. It might eventually lead to the rupture of the organ, which releases bacteria into the bloodstream.
Hence, it is important to know about the onset of the appendix, the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment to battle the condition if present.
In this blog, let’s cover a 101 on appendicitis.
.webp)
The appendix is a small, tubular, and finger-like pouch that is attached to the large intestine of the human body. It resides in the lower-right area of the abdomen, serving no known purpose for the body.
Appendicitis is the condition of the inflamed appendix, which causes severe, acute pain in the lower abdomen. It may happen due to an infection from bacteria, viruses, parasites, or even a blockage caused by fecal matter that passes through the large intestine.
The appendix becomes swollen, and the blood supply gets blocked to the inflamed organ. When left untreated, the appendix can burst, spilling infectious material like stool and mucus inside the belly. This may eventually cause serious infections, such as peritonitis.
Although appendicitis is common in both genders, males have a slightly higher risk of developing it.
In addition, appendicitis usually occurs on a high scale in people between the ages of 10 and 30.
Family history may also play a role in the development of the condition, especially if you are a male.
Improper diets, such as those composed of low-fiber and high junk, are also a risk factor for appendicitis.
A study conducted in 2022 showed that people living in warmer climates may have a higher risk of the onset of appendicitis.
People who smoke regularly are also susceptible to the development of appendicitis. Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis are likely to increase the risk of developing appendicitis.
When it comes to signs and symptoms of appendicitis, acute pain in the lower abdomen is the first trigger.
The pain may start from the belly button and move to the lower right side of the abdomen; it may also be in the reverse. The pain may not die down and may cause discomfort while sleeping, speaking, or even breathing.
When the appendix bursts, the pain will be felt all over the abdomen.
Other symptoms include:
You might want to visit your healthcare professional as soon as you experience and spot the symptoms. Your doctor may conduct a physical exam to analyze the site of the pain in response to pressure.
Furthermore, he or she may order the following tests:
In most cases, emergency care is required for the treatment of appendicitis. Both medications and surgery are provided for the treatment.
Antibiotics are a standard part of appendicitis treatment. It is used in both cases, in case of rupture and also before rupture, as a preventive treatment.
Pain relief is also required to battle the acute pain caused by appendicitis.
When the surgery is concerned,
Doctors may perform an open surgery under anesthesia. Incisions are made in the abdomen, and the appendix is cut out. In the case of an appendix burst, a stunt is placed to drain out the pus and other fluids and later removed in a few days.
On the other hand, laparoscopy can also be performed under anesthesia.
Surgery is usually performed within 24 hours of the diagnosis, owing to the fact that the appendix may burst within 36 hours of the initial symptoms.
There’s also no downside to the removal of the appendicitis, and one can lead a normal and healthy life post-appendectomy. You can return home on the same day or within a short span of time. Recovery time is usually estimated to be around 6 weeks, and pain relief is taken in the meantime to tackle the surgery pain.
As of today, there’s no way to prevent appendicitis.
But you can avoid fatty, processed foods and consume a fiber-rich, balanced diet to lead a healthier life.
Appendicitis is a painful condition that affects kids and adults and is characterized by acute pain. Caused by the inflammation in the appendix, appendicitis requires emergency care to prevent the rupture, which may send stool and infectious materials into the belly space.
Surgery and medications are employed to treat appendicitis, and one can lead a normal life post-surgery as the organ performs no role in the human body.
If you experience pain or any of the symptoms of appendicitis, make sure to visit your nearest hospital as soon as possible.