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What is Appendicitis?

An 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.

Causes 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

Epilepsy is considered as a disorder of central nervous system. Nerve cells of brain transmit electrical signals with the help of chemicals called neurotransmitters. These electro chemical signals are very essential for movement of our muscles or for everything we do and feel. But due to imbalance of these chemicals (neurotransmitters) nerve cells send electro chemical signals at very high rate than the normal. Again due to this sudden excessive and abnormal activity of nerve cells brain is disturbed too much and seizure occurs. Seizures can affect the brain partially and completely.

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures. Convulsions, muscle spasms, strange and abnormal behavior are seen in epilepsy. Muscles receive abnormal and unusual signals. Persons with epilepsy may loose consciousness, their muscle can be rigid and they do not have any control over their muscles.

Causes of Epilepsy

• Tumor of the brain

• Head injury

• Improper diet

• Toxic material – alcohol

• Serious infection like meningitis

Author: Surya Narayan Bhattacharya

Chikungunya is a type of viral disease caused by alpha virus. It is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito bites. Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during day time. Though chikungunya is not usually life threatening yet person affected by chikungunya becomes very weak and the person’s joint pains may last for long time. Full recovery from chikungunya may take several months.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

• Chills
• Fever about 40 degree Centigrade (104 deg. Fah.)
• Pain in joints
• Headache
• Rashes in limbs
• Nausea/vomiting

Prevention & Treatment

There is no specific medicine for Chikungunya. But it can be prevented by taking more fluids,cleaning the area of dwelling place and taking necessary steps to stop mosquitoes from spreading.

Persons affected by chikungunya may take medicines to get relief from pain and should take rest. Aspirin should be avoided. Improving immune system it can be cured in most cases.

Author: S.N.Bhattacharya