Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix due to the obstruction of appendiceal lumen. Individuals with appendicitis may feel a painful swelling around the lower right part of the abdomen. Appendix is a small pouch attach to the large intestine. According to some research, appendix does not have any function in the body.

It can be removed by having an operation without affecting someone’s health. The inner part of the appendix is called the appendiceal lumen. It produces a mucous that is carried out by the appendiceal lumen into the large intestine.

When an individual suffers from appendicitis, his mucous coming from the appendix cannot pass through the appendiceal lumen. The mucous will back up in the appendiceal lumen. The bacteria living inside the appendix will multiply. As a result, the appendix will swell because of the infection. There are a lot of factors that causes obstruction of the appendix and it can be any of the following:

• Parasites that grows and clogs the appendiceal lumen.

• Feces.

• Infection in the GI tract and anywhere in the body that causes enlargement of the lymph tissue in the lining of the appendix.

• Several inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

• Trauma in the abdominal area.

If the appendix is inflamed, it will rupture if not immediately removed. Bursting of the appendicitis may cause infection throughout the abdominal area and it will result in a dangerous condition called peritonitis.

People ranging from 10 to 30 years of age are prone to have appendicitis. Having an appendicitis may lead to emergency abdominal surgery. A person who suffers from appendicitis has classic symptoms that many doctors can easily identify. The major warnings sign is the pain in the abdomen area.

It may occur suddenly during the night. Pain also occurs before the other symptoms manifested. The pain usually begins at the belly button and moves downward to the right. The pain may get worse quickly after an hour. You will have a hard time moving around, coughing, sneezing, and taking deep breath because of sudden pain. Other symptoms of appendicitis may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal swelling.

It can be easily diagnosed by taking the patient’s medical history. It can also be detected by performing some physical examinations. If the doctor immediately sees classic symptoms, surgery is the only solution before the appendix burst. If an individual does not have any classic symptoms, the doctor may perform some laboratory and imaging test to confirm appendicitis. For people who cannot tolerate any kind of surgery, non surgical treatment is recommended. This may include prescription of some antibiotics. Soft liquid diet is the best way to eliminate the pain when non surgical procedure is done.

People who has appendicitis should remember that it is kind of disease that requires an immediate medical attention. If you have any symptoms, you should see a doctor or admit yourself to the emergency room right away. Immediate diagnosis may reduce the risk of bursting which can worsen your situation.

Jonathan Pitts

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