Appendicitis is a serious medical condition, often requiring emergency treatment. This page on the eMedTV Web site provides an in-depth look at this condition, including symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.
As this part of the eMedTV library explains, the causes of appendicitis are usually due to a blockage inside the appendix. Feces can cause such a blockage, as can a bacterial or viral infection. This article discusses these and other possible causes.
Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are some possible early symptoms of appendicitis. This eMedTV article talks about the early signs and symptoms of this condition, and explains why appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis? As this eMedTV article explains, common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. This page also explains how symptoms can differ among children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The information presented in this eMedTV article outlines the process doctors use when making an appendicitis diagnosis. The patient's medical history, physical exam findings, and test results all are factors doctors take into consideration.
The most common appendicitis treatment method is surgery, although antibiotics may be used first, depending on the cause of appendicitis. This eMedTV article explains appendicitis treatment methods, including when each is used and expected results.
Appendicitis complications are serious and range from a rupture of the appendix to peritonitis to organ failure -- and even death. This page of the eMedTV archives describes appendicitis complications and explains what happens if it goes untreated.
Unfortunately, no one knows how to prevent appendicitis, but we do know how to prevent appendicitis symptoms from getting worse. By recognizing the symptoms this eMedTV article provides, you can avoid appendicitis-related complications.
Appendicitis has the same causes and treatment in children as in adults. As this eMedTV article explains, however, it can be hard to diagnose children with appendicitis. They can't always express what hurts, and doctors rely on less specific symptoms.
In most cases, early appendicitis symptoms in children are rare. If they do occur, they may appear as constipation, small stools with mucus, and fatigue. This eMedTV article discusses early appendicitis symptoms in children.
