What is appendicitis? Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. This eMedTV Web page offers basic information on the condition, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options (such as surgery).
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.
Pain in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting are common appendicitis warning signs. This page of the eMedTV Web site contains a partial list of related symptoms and includes a link to more information.
Signs of appendicitis can include low-grade fever, abdominal swelling, and vomiting. This eMedTV resource provides detailed information on symptoms of appendicitis in different people, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
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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