APPENDICITIS
30 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Appendix is a vestigial organ, an extension of the large intestine. In medical emergency, it is required to get operated and removed otherwise it might cause appendicitis. The blockage increases pressure that leads to inflammation, swelling and pus formation in the appendix which results into Appendicitis.
CAUSES –
- Blockage at the opening of the appendix
- GI tract infection leads to enlarged tissue in the wall of appendix
- Stool, parasite, inflammatory bowel disease
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- Pain on the right side of the lower abdomen
- Pain while coughing, walking or during any physical movements
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
- Bloating in the abdomen
DIAGNOSIS –
- Physical Examination- A health care professional will apply pressure to specific areas of abdomen
- Lab Test – High white blood cell count indicates signs of infection
- Urinalysis
- Imaging Test
TREATMENT –
Appendix removal by surgery is primarily the best treatment for Appendicitis. The different types of surgeries are:
- Laparoscopy or minimally invasive surgery (MIS)
- Open surgery
- Delayed surgery using antibiotics
If there is a painful pus formation known as Abscess in the appendix, it is drained first and then operated.
RISK FACTORS –
- Family History
- Cystic fibrosis during childhood increases the risk of appendicitis
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- The average age of an individual to get appendicitis is 28 and majorly it affects males than females.
- Around 35,000 deaths occur due to appendicitis every year globally.