This eMedTV segment offers a detailed description of acute appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). This article covers topics such as the causes, symptoms, treatment, and complications associated with the condition.
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 eMedTV article discusses these and other causes of appendicitis.
Early symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. As this eMedTV article explains, less than 50 percent of people who develop the condition will experience early symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose.
Abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite are common appendicitis signs. This eMedTV segment provides a brief overview of these and other symptoms, and explains how other conditions need to be ruled out before making a definitive diagnosis.
When diagnosing appendicitis, doctors generally start with the patient's symptoms and then move to tests, such as an x-ray, CT scan, or laparoscopy. This page of the eMedTV website explains in detail the procedures used in diagnosing appendicitis.
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.
Complications of appendicitis include rupture of the appendix, abscess, and organ failure. This page of the eMedTV Web site offers an in-depth look at what can happen when these and other complications arise.
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 in children has the same causes and treatment as in adults. As this eMedTV article explains, however, it can be hard to diagnose appendicitis in children. 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.
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