
Everything you need to know about appendicitis
A person with appendix pain may have appendicitis. This pain may start near the belly button and then move lower and to the right. Appendicitis is when the appendix becomes swollen, inflamed, and filled with pus.
The appendix is a small finger-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, connected to the large intestine. Its exact purpose is unclear, and a person can live without one.
Appendicitis generally happens because of a blockage inside the appendix, which causes blood flow problems, inflammation, infection, and pressure. Without treatment, the appendix can burst.
Appendicitis can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people in their teens and 20s.
This article covers:
- the signs and symptoms of appendicitis
- the differences between acute and chronic appendicitis
- how doctors diagnose the condition
- the treatment, recovery time, and potential complications of appendicitis
- appendicitis during pregnancy
- advice on when to contact a doctor
Signs and symptoms
states that the most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain that begins near the belly button. It will then progress lower and to the right.
The pain may:
- worsen with movement, coughing, sneezing, or deep breaths
- be severe
- worsen within hours
Other symptoms include:
- abdominal swelling
- fever
- appetite loss
- nausea
- vomiting
Children with appendicitis may not experience typical symptoms.
A person may also experience a frequent and urgent need to urinate, although this is extremely uncommon.
Anyone who experiences progressively worsening pain in the abdomen should seek medical attention. Other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, may have similar symptoms. Even so, these conditions all require urgent medical attention.
Acute appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is the more common type of appendicitis. The onset typically occurs over 24 hours.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency and needs to be evaluated quickly. The appendix can rupture during appendicitis, and the risk of this rises 48–72 hours after symptoms begin.
Chronic appendicitis
Chronic appendicitis is a less common form of appendicitis that lasts longer than acute appendicitis.
A 2015 article says that chronic appendicitis is a less severe, continuous pain that lasts for longer than the usual 1- or 2-day period. The pain can last for weeks, months, or years.
Unlike acute appendicitis, healthcare professionals do not consider chronic appendicitis a medical emergency.
A CT scan can help diagnose chronic appendicitis, and treatment involves removing the appendix.
Diagnosis
A doctor will examine the person and ask some questions about their symptoms. The doctor may apply pressure to the lower abdominal area to see whether pressure worsens the pain.
If the doctor detects the typical signs and symptoms of appendicitis, they will diagnose it. If not, they will order further tests.
Tests may include:
- blood tests to check for infection
- an MRI, CT, or ultrasound scan to see whether the appendix is inflamed
- urine tests to identify a kidney or bladder infection
Treatment
The NIDDK states that a doctor will prescribe antibiotics for anyone with appendicitis.
In some cases, this is enough to treat appendicitis, and surgery will not be necessary. In most cases, however, a surgeon must remove the appendix.
Surgical options for appendicitis include:
- Laparoscopy: This is a precise procedure in which there is minimal loss of blood and only a small incision. As a result, recovery time is faster than with open surgery, and there is less scarring. Laparoscopic, keyhole, or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) involves the following steps:
- The surgeon inserts a very thin tube, or laparoscope, which has a tiny video camera and light, into the abdomen through a hollow instrument known as a cannula.
- The surgeon views the inside of the abdomen, magnified, on a monitor.
- Tiny instruments respond to the movements of the surgeon’s hands, and the appendix is removed through small abdominal incisions.
- Open surgery: In rare cases, a larger incision will be made so that the area inside the abdominal cavity can be cleaned. This will happen if:
- The appendix has ruptured and infection has spread.
- The appendix has caused an abscess.
- The patient has tumors in the digestive system.
- The patient is a person in their third trimester of pregnancy.
- The patient has had many abdominal surgeries before.
After open surgery, a doctor will give the person antibiotics intravenously.
When to contact a doctor
If any of the symptoms of appendicitis are present, call a doctor or visit an emergency department. Appendicitis is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
Summary
Appendicitis is when the appendix, a small, tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine, becomes blocked and infected. It is a serious medical condition that requires a quick evaluation.
Appendicitis is generally acute, with symptoms coming on over the course of a day and becoming severe rapidly. Chronic appendicitis can also occur, although it is rare. In chronic cases, symptoms are less severe and can last for days, weeks, or even months.
Treatment for appendicitis will depend on how severe the case is. A person may need to undergo surgery, which can be performed laparoscopically or through an open incision. A person may need to take antibiotics to treat the infection before surgery or in mild cases.
Conclusion
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