Understanding Appendicitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Appendicitis is a common condition that can cause severe abdominal pain and require surgery. In this comprehensive guide, learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this inflamed appendix.
WHAT IS APPENDICITIS?
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small tube-shaped organ that is attached to the large intestine. The causes are not always clear, but it is often associated with obstruction of the appendix by stool, infections or tumors. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. If you think you have appendicitis, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for proper treatment.
CAUSES OF APPENDICITIS.
The exact causes of appendicitis are not always clear, but it is often associated with obstruction of the appendix by stool, infections or tumors. When the appendix becomes blocked, bacteria can multiply inside, causing inflammation and infection. Other factors that may increase the risk of appendicitis include a diet high in fat and red meat, as well as a family history of the disease.
Appendicitis can occur at any age, but is most common in children ages 5 to 15. It is also more common in men than women.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of appendicitis can vary from person to person, but the most common signs are severe abdominal pain, usually in the lower right part of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, and discomfort. vomiting, fever and feeling generally unwell. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and proper treatment.
TREATMENT
If you think you have appendicitis, contact your doctor immediately. He or she will likely ask you about your symptoms and examine you before making a diagnosis. He or she may also order blood tests and an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
It can be treated with antibiotics and removal of the inflamed appendix (appendectomy). However, if you ignore or delay treatment, it can lead to serious complications, including bleeding from a ruptured appendix and infection of other organs in the body (sepsis).
Appendicitis is treated, quite often, with surgery to remove the appendix. In most cases, appendicitis surgery takes less than an hour, and patients stay in the hospital for about a day after surgery.
You ask, our teams answer.
F.A.Q
Appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch connected to the large intestine. It is located in the lower right part of the abdomen. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and fills with pus.
Appendicitis causes sharp pain in the right lower part of the abdomen that may extend to the lower back and groin. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever.
Appendectomy is usually performed as an emergency because an inflamed appendix can burst within 24 hours if left untreated, causing peritonitis – infection and inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity – which can be life-threatening. of the patient.
Chronic appendicitis is an uncommon condition in which a child’s appendix becomes infected and inflamed. It can cause pain, swelling, nausea and vomiting.
Chronic appendicitis is most common in children ages 10 to 16. You may not know that your child has chronic appendicitis until tests are done for an illness that is not related to the appendix. Chronic appendicitis does not cause any particular signs or symptoms.
The best treatment for chronic appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix. If the appendix is not removed, chronic appendicitis can lead to complications such as peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity) and abscesses (buildup of pus), both of which can be life-threatening. hazard.
If your doctor suspects that your child has chronic appendicitis, he or she will order tests, including blood tests (such as complete blood counts), urine tests, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which an infection in the body sets off a chain reaction of damaging inflammation. It can cause a drop in blood pressure and lead to tissue death, organ failure, or even death.
Sepsis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment. If you think you or someone else may have sepsis, call our emergency department immediately.
Definition of sepsis:
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infection caused by bacteria or other germs (such as fungi and viruses). Sepsis is often called “blood poisoning” because it can quickly go into shock, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if left untreated.
Medical treatment of sepsis:
Symptoms of sepsis include fever, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and confusion or loss of consciousness. If these symptoms occur after recent surgery or injury, or if you have an infection that does not seem to improve with antibiotic treatment, call your doctor immediately.”
