Overview
Appendicitis is an inflammation and infection of the appendix caused by a blockage or obstruction in the appendix. A buildup of mucus, parasites, or, most commonly, fecal matter can cause a blockage.
When the appendix is obstructed, bacteria can quickly proliferate inside the organ. The appendix becomes irritated and swollen as a result, which causes appendicitis.
The appendix is located in the lower right abdomen. It’s a tube-shaped pouch that protrudes from the end of your big intestine. The pain in your lower right abdomen is caused by appendicitis. In most patients, though, pain begins in the navel and subsequently spreads. Appendicitis discomfort usually worsens as the inflammation worsens, finally becoming severe.
Appendicitis can affect anyone, however, it is most common in adults between the ages of 10 and 30. Surgical removal of the appendix is the standard treatment. The appendix is a vestigial organ that is a part of your GI tract. This means it serves no essential purpose and you can live a normal, healthy life without it.
What Causes Appendicitis
Appendicitis attack is caused by an obstruction in the lining of the appendix, which leads to infection. The bacteria multiply quickly, inflaming, swelling, and filling the appendix with pus. The appendix might rupture if not treated quickly.
Appendicitis Symptoms
Appendicitis pain occurs in the center of your belly (abdomen) and it comes and goes. Within hours, the pain has spread to the lower right side of the abdomen, where the appendix is generally found and has become persistent and intense.
It is possible that pressing on this area, coughing, or walking will intensify the pain.
You may have a loss of appetite, nausea, constipation and diarrhea.
Diagnosis
Book an appointment with your doctor when you suspect you have appendicitis. They will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination in order to identify your ailment. They might also order laboratory work and picture testing. Your doctor will probably diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) only after other possible signs and symptoms have been excluded.
Non-Surgical Treatment For Appendicitis
In general surgery practice, appendicitis is one of the most common urgent conditions. The use of non-operative therapy for suspected appendicitis involves risks. Delaying surgery increases the risk of perforated appendicitis, intra-abdominal abscesses, localized or diffuse peritonitis, wound infection, adhesions, and eventual adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO), as well as infertility after surgery.
Surgical procedures may be linked to longer hospital stays and greater costs than the antibiotic NOM (Non-Operative Management), yet delayed therapy and a performed appendix can enhance morbidity, sick leave duration, and expenses. Antibiotic NOM may nonetheless be an economical option to surgery, and it can minimize both hospitalization and costs in both developed and third world nations, while not raising a large portion of patients’ risk.
Medication
Pain Relief Medication is currently a standard practice that is offered immediately upon admission to emergency rooms, e.g. opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or acetaminophen.
Antibiotics
Bacteria such as Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Peptostreptococcus, Bilophila, and Bacteroides have been causing appendicitis. A wide range of antibiotics can therefore fight against the infection, including:
- Beta-lactamase inhibitor penicillin-type medicinal products: Zosyn (piperacillin and tazobactam), Unasyn (ampicillin-sulbactam)
- Cephalosporins: Rocephin, cefotan (cefotetan)
- Carbapenems: Merrem, Invanz (ertapenem)
- Gentak: Aminoglycosides (gentamicin)
- Flagyl nitroimidazole (metronidazole)
- Cleocin Lincomycins: (clindamycin)
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
Appendicitis may occur at any time, but most frequently between people aged 10 to 30 years old. It is more common in men rather than women.
You can’t avoid appendicitis, but you can take efforts to reduce your risk.
If you had a diet full of fiber, appendicitis would seem less likely to affect you. By eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, you can improve your fiber consumption. Foods with an especially high fiber content include:
- Green peas
- Oatmeal
- Apples
- Bran flakes
- Broccoli
- Pears
- Raspberries
- Black beans
- Artichokes
- Whole-wheat spaghetti
- Lentils
- Barley
Increased fibers can prevent constipation and further stool growth in your diet. The most prevalent reason for appendicitis is the accumulation of stools.
It is essential to cooperate with your doctor to prevent appendicitis if you have any condition that causes inflammation or bowel infection. Immediately seek the help of health care professionals if you or someone you know develops appendicitis symptoms.
Aftercare Treatment For Appendicitis
Expect a few weeks of rehabilitation or longer if your appendix ruptures in order to heal your body:
- First, avoid exhausting activities. Limit your activity for 3 to 5 days if your appendectomy is done laparoscopically. Limit your activity to 10 to 14 days if you have an open appendectomy. Consult your physician to know your limits .
- Support your belly when you are coughing. Put a cushion over your belly and apply pressure to relieve the pain before coughing, laughing, or moving.
- If your medicine doesn’t help, consult your doctor. Pain increases your body’s stress and slows down the cure. In spite of your pain meds, consult your doctor if you still have pain.
- Get up and get ready to move. Start your activities cautiously and escalate as you feel like it. Begin with short walks.
- When exhausted, sleep. You may feel sleepier than usual as your body repairs. When you need to, take it easy and rest.
- Talk to your doctor about returning to work or school. If you feel up to it, you can come back to work. Children can go back to school less than a week after the operation. However, you should wait for two to four weeks to resume your exercises or go to gymnasiums.
Takeaway
Appendicitis can grow serious enough to require medical attention, depending upon the cause, functioning of the immune system, and overall health. However, many patients normally have rest and home-based treatment to cure it.
Consult with your doctor to check if you are uncertain about what causes your symptoms. Similar symptoms of appendicitis can lead to other health problems. If your symptoms worsen, please book an appointment with your doctor.
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