What is it?
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. Appendix is a small organ that originates at the ileo-ceacal junction which is where the small intestine meets the large intestine.
It is a relatively common condition that can occur in both males and females. The patient will experience pain in the abdomen and if left untreated, this can result in serious complications. Appendicitis usually occurs in patients who have intestinal issues like constipation, diarrhoea or indigestion. The uncommon causes are viral infections, parasites and/ or tumors resulting in blockage of appendix.
You may experience,
- Pain in the right iliac fossa which in the area of abdomen adjacent to your lower abdominal area and this pain may or may not radiate to the umbilical region in the abdomen.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Mild fever.
These are the common symptoms in a case of uncomplicated appendicitis. The severity of the symptoms experienced depends largely on the level of infection/ inflammation and when associated with complications, the symptoms of a case of complicated appendicitis can be more threatening and requires immediate intervention.
Appendicitis, a walkthrough.
If you were to feel any of the above-mentioned symptoms and you decide to seek professional help, the attending doctor will enquire regarding your medical history, will conduct a physical examination after which certain tests may be advised such as blood tests and urine analysis to check for the presence of an infection. Imaging of the abdomen like x-rays of the abdomen, CT scan, and ultrasound of the abdomen can also be advised by the doctor depending on the medical status of the patient.
Once the diagnosis, the extent of infection and the presence or absence of complications are confirmed, the aim is to eliminate infection/ inflammation of the appendix through pain killers, antibiotics, surgical drainage of the abscess (if present). acute cases of appendicitis require emergency surgery called appendectomy to remove the appendix and clear out any infection (if the appendix has ruptured). It can be performed as an open surgery or through laparoscopy.
The price of not seeking professional medical help in appendicitis.
Appendicitis, if left untreated or inadequately treated, can develop into an abscess with time and may rupture and cause peritonitis which in turn can result in septic shock. Appendicular pseudo-mass formation as the body attempts to limit the spread in the abdominal cavity is another form of ruptured appendix which can result in fistula formations. There can also be a spread of infection through blood to other organs in the abdominal cavity. Septic emboli though rare can still occur which can be life threatening.
Get checked and get treated at the earliest. If you are looking for professional medical help, look no further. Book an appointment with our doctors at OneHealth hospital to know more and to discuss your treatment options.
