Appendicitis

The appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to the first part of the large intestine, also called the colon. It is located in the lower right area of the abdomen. It has no known function. A blockage inside of the appendix causes appendicitis. The blockage leads to increased pressure, problems with blood flow and inflammation. If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can break open and leak infection into the body.

Symptoms may include

Pain and/or swelling in the abdomen
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Inability to pass gas
Low fever

Not everyone with appendicitis has all these symptoms.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Treatment almost always involves removing the appendix. Anyone can get appendicitis. It happens most often to people between the ages of 10 and 30.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Appendicitis on Wikipedia

'''Appendicitis''' is a condition characterised by inflammation of the Vermiform_appendix. While mild cases may resolve without treatment, many require laparotomy with removal of the inflamed appendix. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock when the inflamed appendix ruptures.

Causes

It is possible for matter to become lodged in the appendix, leading to Bacteria infection, which can cause appendicitis. If the condition is untreated, the appendix can turn gangrene and can eventually burst, leading to peritonitis, Sepsis and eventually death.

Signs, symptoms and findings

The abdominal pain of appendicitis usually starts centrally (periumbilical) before localising to the right iliac fossa (the lower right side of the abdomen). There is usually associated anorexia (loss of appetite). Fever is usually present. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may or may not occur, but make the diagnosis more likely. There is typically pain and tenderness in the right iliac fossa. Rebound tenderness may be present suggesting that there is some element of peritoneum irritation. If the abdomen is guarded, there should be a strong suspicion of peritonitis requiring urgent surgical intervention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination backed by blood tests and other diagnostic procedures. The classical physical finding in appendicitis is diffuse pain in the umbilical region which can become localised at McBurney's point if the inflammed appendix comes into contact with the parietal peritoneum. This point is located on the right-hand side one-third of the distance between the anterior superior iliac spine and the Umbilicus, or approximately one hand's width. Other methods include a digital rectal exam, where a finger is inserted into the rectum - if there is ... [ Read More ]

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