Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small, four-inch-long tube-shaped piece of tissue situated on the lower right side of the abdomen. It remains attached to the colon. The most common symptom is severe pain in the abdomen. Therefore, it can be easily confused with other health-related symptoms. It is mostly seen in the 20s but can develop at any age. Although the symptoms might differ in case of adults and children individually. The function of an appendix is still unknown but when it tears, it has to be removed immediately to prevent any further life-threatening complications.
Some common symptoms associated with appendicitis are being discussed below.
- Migrating pain near the belly button shifting to the lower right-hand side of the abdomen.
- Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Fever in between 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenhiet.
- Swelling of the stomach.
- Inability to pass gas.
- Others include difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, black stool and vomiting blood.
Appendicitis becomes life-threatening and gets worse if left untreated. So, the treatment should be done as soon as the symptoms appear to prevent it from worsening and causing further complications.
Let us take a look at the possible treatments of the same. It has to be diagnosed first. Its diagnosis can be tricky at times as it can get confused with other ailments such as gallbladder problems, gastritis, Crohn’s disease, urinary tract infection, intestinal infection and ovary related problems. Initially, some tests are required to be done to make sure of appendicitis. These include the following:
- Abdominal examination to detect inflammation
- Urine test for rule out urinary tract infection
- Rectal examination
- Blood tests to check for any infection
- CT scan or ultrasound
After a proper diagnosis and making sure of appendicitis, the treatment has to be started without a delay. A surgery is required to remove the appendix. An appendix is an unwanted part of the body and it can easily function without the same. Appendectomy is the surgical name of the removal of the appendix. Appendix surgery through laparoscopy is the most preferred way for its treatment. The laparoscopic surgery holds a number of advantages such as less pain, scarless and faster recovery. The patients can go home the very same day or the next day and resume normal daily routine within three to four weeks of the surgery.
Related Topic: The Preoperative Precautions for an Appendix Surgery