Appendicitis( Bot content)
📌Appendicitis occurs if your appendix becomes inflamed or infected. The appendix is a small tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. Nobody knows what the appendix’s purpose is — but we do know that appendicitis is serious. A surgeon usually performs an appendectomy to remove the failing appendix.
OVERVIEWWhat is appendicitis?📌Your appendix is a finger-sized tube located where the large and small intestines connect. It has no known function, but if it gets inflamed or infected (appendicitis), you’ll need immediate treatment.
📌An inflamed appendix may cause pain off and on. Or it may burst open (rupture), causing sudden, severe pain. A ruptured appendix can spread bacteria through the abdominal cavity. These bacteria trigger a serious, sometimes-fatal infection called peritonitis.
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Where is your appendix?📌The appendix is in the lower right side of the abdomen (belly).
How common is appendicitis?📌Approximately 5% of Americans will develop appendicitis. It’s the No. 1 cause of abdominal pain requiring surgery .
Who might get appendicitis?📌Appendicitis can occur at any age, although it’s most common in people in their teens and 20s. Appendicitis in children most often occurs during the tween or teen years. But even elementary school-age children get appendicitis.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSESWhat causes appendicitis?📌It’s not clear what brings on appendicitis. Something triggers an inflammation (irritation and swelling) or infection in your appendix. Causes could include:
Abdominal injury or trauma.
Blockage at the opening where the appendix connects to the intestines, Digestive tract infection, Inflammatory bowel disease.Growths inside the appendix.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?📌Severe abdominal pain in the lower right belly — where your appendix is —is a key sign of appendicitis. Symptoms often come on suddenly and get worse. They include:
👉Abdominal pain or tenderness that hurts more when you cough, sneeze, inhale or move.
👉Swollen belly.
👉Constipation.
👉Diaherhea.
👉Inability to pass gas.
👉Loss of appetite (not feeling hungry when you usually would).
👉Low-grade fever (below 100 degrees F).
👉Nausea and vomiting.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTSHow is appendicitis diagnosed?📌You’ll describe your symptoms and have a physical exam. Your doctor may order a blood test to check for infection. You also may have an imaging scan. Any of these tests can show signs of blockage, inflammation or organ rupture: computed tomography (CT) scans show cross-sections of the body. They use a combination of X-rays and computer technology.
📌Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)uses radio waves and magnets to produce detailed images of abdominal organs.
An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to show images of organs.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENTHow is appendicitis treated?📌Most people with appendicitis need a surgery called an appendectomy. It removes a diseased appendix. If the appendix hasn’t yet ruptured, surgery prevents that rupture and keeps infection from spreading.
📌Before surgery, you receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics to treat infection. Some cases of mild appendicitis get better with antibiotics alone. Your doctor will watch you closely to determine if you need surgery. Surgery is the only way to treat abdominal infection when the appendix ruptures.
📌If you need surgery, most appendectomies are done laparoscopically. Laparoscopic procedures take place with a scope through small incisions. This minimally invasive approach helps you heal faster, with less pain. You may need major abdominal surgery (laparotomy) if the appendix ruptures.
What are the complications of appendicitis?(up next)
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