Nearly 9 of 100 Americans are the sufferers of appendicitis even before they are 20. It has become a common phenomenon and yet people are not concerned about the aftermath. In this article, we will talk about the causes, symptoms and prevention regarding appendicitis thoroughly. If you’re also someone who is in need of such help, this article is for you.
Table of Contents
- Signs of Appendicitis
- Causes of appendicitis
- Stages of Appendicitis
- Where to seek medical help?
What are the first signs of appendicitis?
The common first sign of appendicitis is an abdominal discomfort that may come and go.It’s a medical emergency that almost always necessitates appendix removal surgery as soon as feasible. Fortunately, you can get by without it.
Your large intestine is located on the bottom right side of your body, and this 3 1/2-inch-long tube of tissue extends from it. There is specialized tissue in the appendix that may produce antibodies, but no one is entirely certain of its purpose.
Your lower right side, where the appendix is typically located, starts to experience discomfort within a few hours, and it quickly worsens and becomes constant.
Walking, coughing, or applying pressure to this area may exacerbate the pain.
What Causes Appendicitis: Severe Reasons you didn’t know
One in twenty Americans will get appendicitis at some point in their lives. Appendicitis is rare in children under the age of two, despite the fact that it can occur at any age. People between the ages of 10 and 30 are most at risk.
When the appendix becomes obstructed—frequently by faeces, a foreign object, or cancer—appendicitis develops. Since the appendix can expand in response to any infection, blockage may also develop from infection.
In the event that you have appendicitis, your appendix is inflamed and infected. An inflamed and enlarged appendix may occasionally explode. In the event that this takes place, the infection may spread throughout your belly, leading to significant issues including peritonitis or an abscess surrounding the appendix.
What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
The most typical sign of appendicitis is abdominal or gut discomfort. The discomfort you experience in your abdomen could
Beginning near your belly button and moving lower and to your right, the pain must:
- start suddenly
- possibly waking you up
- Get worse when you move around
- feel unlike any pain you’ve ever experienced
- occur before other symptoms; and
- worsen within hours.
Additional signs of appendicitis include
- Appetite loss
- feeling queasy or sick
- fever
- Abdominal enlargement
However, some patients, particularly youngsters, who are diagnosed with appendicitis may not exhibit any of these common symptoms.
What are the 4 Stages of Appendicitis?
There are two types of appendicitis: simple and complex. But they can be introduced in 4 stages to know about its precise development :
Ordinary Appendix
A little, finger-shaped organ with a hollow interior, the appendix is connected to the first segment of the large intestine on the lower right side of the abdomen. The appendix has its own blood and nerve supply and is stuffed with lymph, a clear fluid that contains cells that fight infections.
Since the appendix is not necessary for survival, it has long been believed that the organ has no function in the body. However, researchers currently believe that this tiny organ acts as a reservoir to promote immunological health.
Uncomplicated Appendicitis
When the appendix lumen, which connects the appendix to the big intestine, becomes blocked, appendicitis develops. The obstruction could be brought on by impacted stool, enlarged lymph nodes, an infection or growth in the digestive tract, or, very rarely, a foreign item.
The obstruction causes the appendix lumen to swell and fill with mucus. As the swelling and pressure within the inflamed appendix lumen increases, effective lymph and blood drainage eventually becomes impossible, allowing germs to fester and infiltrate the appendix walls.
Complicated Appendicitis
An inflammatory growth or tumor can occasionally occur as a result of the appendix’s restricted lymph and blood drainage. This is the body’s defense mechanism.
An infected appendix and thickening of the surrounding bowel loops make up this lump, which is known as an appendiceal phlegmon.
On physical examination, an appendiceal phlegmon can be felt as a bulging structure in the lower right side of the belly. It can appear in up to 10% of appendicitis cases, and small children are more likely to experience it than other people.
Necrosis Appendicitis
Blood flow may be obstructed if the appendix becomes increasingly engorged and inflamed. The appendix tissue may die due to a lack of oxygen and restricted blood flow. Gangrene or necrosis are two terms for dying tissue.
The appendix may potentially develop a hole in its wall or rupture if blood supply is restricted for a duration of 24 to 72 hours or more.
Appendicitis is now referred to as ruptured or perforated appendicitis, respectively.
How Is Appendicitis Diagnosis Performed?
Appendicitis symptoms frequently resemble those of other illnesses (such as kidney stones, pneumonia, or a urinary tract infection). Doctors may therefore find it difficult to make a diagnosis.
A doctor will check the abdomen for indications of pain and discomfort to determine whether a child has appendicitis. Blood and urine tests will be prescribed by the doctor. Adults have a CAT scan, an ultrasound, and an abdominal and chest X-ray.
When to Get Medical Assistance?
Appendicitis can be fatal, thus it needs to be treated very away. The longer it goes untreated, the more probable it is to get worse. Early symptoms could feel like gas.
If you suddenly experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should immediately go to the local emergency room since sudden, severe stomach pain is typically a warning sign.
When appendicitis is treated as soon as symptoms develop, it won’t get worse or lead to more problems.
