Appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix in the body. Appendicitis is one of the main causes of abdominal pain. Untreated appendicitis may lead the appendix to burst. It may cause the bacteria to leak into abdominal space, which can be severe and deadly. More often, it occurs to people within the age group of 10 and 30. The primary treatment of appendicitis is to extract the appendix.

Causes of Appendicitis

The causes of appendicitis are still unspecified. Generally, it happens when one part of the appendix is blocked. Due to the appendix block, the bacteria inside increases. It can lead to the development of swelling and secretion. It results in pressure in the abdomen.

Several aspects that can cause a blockage in the appendix are;

•             Traumatic injury

•             A build-up of hardened stool

•             Tumours

•             Intestinal worms

•             Enlarged lymphoid follicles

Symptoms of Appendicitis

The pain of appendicitis may begin with mild cramping. However, it becomes more serious and fixed over time. The pain can appear in the upper abdomen or belly button area and slowly move to the lower abdomen area.

Various symptoms of appendicitis Include;

•             Indigestion

•             Constipation

•             Low-level fever

•             Vomiting

•             Pain in the lower right side of the abdomen

•             Pain in the upper abdomen or belly button area

•             Nausea

•             Diarrhoea

Types of Appendicitis

Appendicitis primarily of two types: Acute appendicitis and Chronic appendicitis.

• Acute Appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is a fatal and abrupt issue of appendicitis. The signs and symptoms usually formulate within 2-3 days. Acute appendicitis is more common than chronic appendicitis. It needs immediate medical care. Untreated acute appendicitis can result in a ruptured appendix.

• Chronic Appendicitis

Chronic appendicitis is usually less common than acute appendicitis. The symptoms and signs of chronic appendicitis may begin relatively mild. Diagnosing such a case of appendicitis has proved to be rather difficult. Mostly, doctors wait until it evolves into acute appendicitis before diagnosing it.

Treatment of Appendicitis

The doctors will recommend a treatment plan depending on the condition of the patients. Several of these treatments include;

•             Antibiotics

•             Liquid diet

•             Removal of the appendix through surgery

•             Pain relievers

•            needle drainage

•             IV fluids

There are rare cases of getting better without surgery. However, in many cases, the appendix has to be removed through surgery. It is also known as Appendectomy.

Tests for Appendicitis

The physicians confirm the signs of appendicitis after performing a physical examination. They check for any rigidity or tenderness in the lower right side of the abdomen. Based on the result of the physical test, the doctors can advise certain tests include:

• Urine Test

The Urine test is also known as Urinalysis. It is an inspection for kidney stones or urinary tract infections (UTI) in the body. And if these are the possible causes.

• Pelvic Exam

In female patients, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, an ovarian cyst affects the reproductive organs. It can be a major cause of appendicitis. The doctor performs a pelvic exam to inspect the cervix, vagina, and vulva.

• Chest Imaging Test

The symptoms of pneumonia in the lower right side of the lungs are relatively similar to appendicitis. The medics can perform a Chest X-ray or CT scan to get a better view of the lungs.

• Complete Blood Count

Appendicitis is frequently followed by bacterial infections. These bacterial infections in the urinary tract can cause symptoms identical to appendicitis. The physicians can request a complete blood count (CBC). They collect a sample of blood for analysis, searching for any infection.

• Abdominal Imaging Tests include:

•             Abdominal CT Scan

•             Abdominal Ultrasound

•             Abdominal MRI Scan

•             Abdominal X-Ray

SureshMaternity Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrinology ../department

Endocrinologists and Diabetologists are specialists in hormones. glands and treats disorders and diagnose endocrine conditions. Appendicitis involves irritation of the appendix that causes pain. SureshMaternity hospital has a highly experienced medical team who are humble and attentive to the patients.