What is Appendicitis?

Acute AppendicitisAn inflammation of the appendix is known as appendicitis. Appendix is a small close ended tube. It lies in the lower right portion of the abdomen near the joining point of small intestine and large intestine.

Appendix causes swelling and pain. Since it is painful and moreover as there is a risk of rupture of the wall of the infected appendix so treatment of appendicitis is very essential before the appendix ruptures. In most cases surgery is necessary for its removal. It is a medical emergency.

Delay in treatment (or removal) may cause rupture of infected and inflamed appendix. Pus and other contents of the appendix are discharged into the abdominal cavity which can cause peritonitis. Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum caused by infection. It is very dangerous and can be fatal if not treated properly in right time.

AppendixCauses of Appendicitis

Blockage of the opening of appendix: – When the opening of the appendix is blocked by a piece of hardened stool then the inflammation of the appendix may occur.

Reaction to the infection: – If there is an infection in the digestive tract of a person, then due to its reaction inflammation of the appendix may occur.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

• Pain in abdomen: – Pain may start near the belly button and may move to the right lower side of the belly.

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Loss of appetite

• Problem in passing gas.

Symptoms of Peritonitis are much more severe than that of appendicitis: -

• Severe pain felt through out the abdomen.

• Swollen abdomen.

• Abdomen is felt hard.

Prevention and Treatment

Though there is no known prevention for appendicitis yet people who eat roughage and take high-fibre diet (raw vegetables and fruits) have less chances of appendicitis.

If a person has some of the symptoms of appendicitis then he/she should immediately consult a doctor. After performing blood test, urine test, x-ray, ultrasound etc. if appendicitis is diagnosed then doctor may remove the appendix by performing laparoscopy or by operation (appendectomy).

Appendix has no known useful function and a person can lead a normal life without appendix.

Author: Surya Narayan Bhattacharya