Appendicitis

It is a finger-shaped pouch that protrudes from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen, is called appendicitis. Most patients experience pain that starts about the navel and gradually spreads.

Causes of Appendicitis

The cause of appendicitis is unknown. Inflammation (swelling and discomfort) or infection in your appendix is caused by something. The main causes are:

• Trauma or injury to the abdomen
• Infection of the gastrointestinal system
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Growths inside the appendix

Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis

Appendicitis may cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Pain on the right side of the lower abdomen that starts suddenly.
• Sudden abdominal pain that starts about your navel and moves to your lower right abdomen.
• Coughing, walking, or other jarring movements might aggravate the pain.
• vomiting and nausea
• Loss of Appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating
• Flatulence

How will you find out Appendicitis?

Explain your symptoms and undergo a physical examination. A blood test is done to check for any infection. You may also be advised to get an imaging scan. Any of the following tests may reveal symptoms of obstruction, inflammation, or organ rupture:

Cross-sections of the body are shown on computed tomography (CT) images. They make use of X-rays as well as computer technology.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates comprehensive images of the abdominal organs using radio waves and magnets.

High-frequency sound waves are used in abdominal ultrasonography to produce images of organs.

Treatment for Appendicitis

The majority of persons who have appendicitis require an appendectomy. It is used to remove an appendix that has become infected. Surgery prevents the rupture of the appendix and the spread of infection if it hasn’t already ruptured.

Antibiotics are given intravenously (IV) before surgery to prevent infection. Antibiotics alone can help some cases of mild appendicitis. Your doctor will keep a close eye on you to see if surgery is required. When the appendix ruptures, surgery is the only option to cure the abdominal infection.

Most appendectomies are performed laparoscopically, if surgery is required. Laparoscopic operations are performed through small incisions using a scope. This minimally intrusive method aids in speedier healing.

Complications of Appendicitis

The Ruptured appendix: An infection might spread throughout your abdomen if you have a rupture (peritonitis). This illness, which is potentially fatal, necessitates emergency surgery to remove the appendix and clean your abdominal cavity.

A pus-filled pocket arises in the abdomen: You may get an infection pocket if your appendix breaks (abscess). A surgeon would usually drain the abscess by inserting a catheter into the abscess through your abdominal wall.