Be careful of APPENDICITIS—inflammation of the appendix

Be careful of APPENDICITIS—inflammation of the appendix

The appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to the first part of the large intestine, also called the colon. It is located in the lower right area of the abdomen. It has no known function. A blockage inside of the appendix causes appendicitis. The blockage leads to increased pressure, problems with blood flow and inflammation. If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can break open and leak infection into the body. Anyone can get appendicitis. It happens most often to people between the ages of 10 and 30. Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) requires immediate medical attention, so it's important to learn its symptoms — and how they differ from a run-of-the-mill stomachache — so you can seek medical care right away. Here are some symptoms of appendicitis:

1. Pain and/or swelling in the abdomen

2. Loss of appetite

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Constipation or diarrhea

5. Inability to pass gas

6. Low fever 

Not everyone with appendicitis has all these symptoms. Appendicitis may occur for several reasons, such as an infection of the appendix, but the most important factor is the obstruction of the appendiceal lumen (see Pathogenesis and Etiology). Left untreated, appendicitis has the potential for severe complications, including perforation or sepsis, and may even cause death (see Prognosis and Complications). However, the differential diagnosis of appendicitis is often a clinical challenge because appendicitis can mimic several abdominal conditions. Appendicitis is a medical emergency. The best treatment option for appendicitis is surgery so that the appendix may be removed before it ruptures or bursts open. This kind of surgery is called an appendectomy which is now days done laproscopically. This is a minimalist invasive ‘keyhole’ procedure where incisions are made in abdominal area. A small camera guided by the surgeon assists in the removal of the appendix. In some cases, however, an open surgical procedure may be required for removal of the appendix. If the infected appendix isn't removed, it can burst and spread bacteria and infection throughout the abdomen and lead to serious health problems.

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