Appendicitis
The painful swelling of the appendix is known as appendicitis. The appendix is a tiny, thin pouch that ranges in size from 2 to 10 cm (5 to 4 inches). It is attached to the large intestine, where feces get produced.
The appendix’s specific function is unknown; however, removing it is not detrimental.
Appendicitis symptoms
Symptoms and signs might include:
- Sudden lower abdominal ache
- Unexpected soreness that often radiates to your lower right abdomen from the area around your navel
- Pain gets worse when you cough
- diarrhea and Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Stomach bloating
- Flatulence
Appendicitis causes
The cause is an infection brought on by an obstruction in the appendix’s lining. The germs overgrow, inflaming, swelling, and filling the appendix with pus. The appendix may rupture if the infection fails to get treated properly.
Treatment for appendicitis
If you develop appendicitis, your appendix will probably need to eject as soon as possible.
The most prevalent method of treatment is keyhole surgery.
The abdomen splits into several tiny pieces so the doctor can introduce specialized surgical equipment.
After removing your appendix, a full recovery often takes a few weeks. However, it may be necessary to refrain from heavy activities for up to 6 weeks following open surgery.
Complications of appendicitis
Severe consequences from appendicitis include:
- An appendix rupture. Your abdomen becomes infected after a break. This condition necessitates emergency surgery to remove the appendix and clean your abdominal cavity since it may be life-threatening.
- A pus-filled cyst develops in the abdomen. If your appendix ruptures, you could get an infection pocket. The majority of the time, a surgeon inserts a catheter into the abscess via your abdominal wall.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022