Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Once appendicitis begins, there is no effective medical therapy. Therefore, it is considered a medical emergency. When it is treated promptly, most patients recover without difficulty. However, if treatment is delayed, the appendix can burst, causing infection and even death. Although anyone can get appendicitis, it occurs most often in people between the ages of 10 and 30.
Understanding the Appendix
The appendix is a small, tube-like structure that is attached to the first part of the large intestine, also called the
colon. It is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen, near where the small intestine attaches to the large intestine, and it has no known function. Removal of the appendix appears to cause no change in digestive function.
What Causes Appendicitis?
The inflammation can be caused by a blockage of the inside of the appendix, known as the lumen. Common causes of blockage include:
- Feces
- Infections that lead to swelling
- Trauma.
Not everyone with appendicitis has related symptoms, especially:
Pain in the abdomen can be an early symptom. The pain may first appear around the belly button and then move to the lower right area of the abdomen.
Other common symptoms include:
- Pain that intensifies when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Inability to pass gas
- Low fever that begins after other symptoms
- Abdominal swelling
- Feeling that a bowel movement will relieve discomfort.
These symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, however. People who have possible
symptoms of appendicitis should see a qualified physician immediately.
In order to make a diagnosis, doctors will need to perform a physical exam, ask for a medical history, and order certain tests.
Tests that are used to make a diagnosis can include:
- Laboratory tests
- Imaging tests (computed tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray)
- Surgery.
Current Treatment of Appendicitis
In most cases, treatment involves surgery. Medication may be used as treatment if the doctor is unsure if the patient has appendicitis. However, surgery will be necessary if the patient has appendicitis.
Serious appendicitis complications may include:
- Rupture
- Peritonitis
- Abscess
- Organ failure
- Death.
- The appendix is a small, tube-like structure that is attached to the first part of the colon
- Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix
- It is considered a medical emergency
- Symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, inability to pass gas, low-grade fever, and abdominal swelling
- A physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging tests are used to make a diagnosis
- Acute appendicitis is treated by surgery to remove the appendix
- The most serious complication of appendicitis is rupture, which can lead to peritonitis and abscess.
