Appendicitis occurs when the appendix gets inflamed. Once the condition occurs there is no medical solution and the condition needs to be treated seriously and is treated as a medical emergency. If the condition is treated on time then people with the condition can recover without any problem. If the treatment is delayed then the appendix can burst and lead to a serious infection and even death in some cases. Appendicitis is the most common acute surgical procedure that is followed. It usually occurs between the ages of 10 to 40.

The main cause of appendicitis is the blockage of the appendix. The blockage results in increase of pressure and reduced blood flow leading to inflammation. If the condition is not treated promptly then it can lead to gangrene or a rupture that can be a serious problem. The most common cause of the blockage is feces. There can also be bacterial or fungal infections inside your digestive tract that can lead to swelling of the lymph node and in turn putting pressure on the appendix and causing obstruction. At times a traumatic injury can also lead to appendicitis.

The appendicitis symptoms are unclear however there is a pain observed below the navel and gradually moves to the lower right side where the appendix is placed. The pain gets worse as you walk, talk or cough. The other appendicitis symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, and inability to pass gas, nausea and vomiting. People also complaint about loss of appetite accompanied by slight fever. Many people might not observe these symptoms. Older people, pregnant women and children below 2 years of age may not complaint of pain in the lower right side. They might feel pain in any part of the abdomen.

Women who develop the problem of appendicitis during pregnancy might not experience the regular symptoms. It is important that pregnant women if they observe pain in the lower right side of their abdomen should meet their healthcare provide immediately. Usually women in the third trimester of pregnancy are at a greater risk of having appendicitis.

Diagnosing appendicitis in infants and young children is a bit difficult, as they cannot communicate what they feel. It is important for doctors to rely on a thorough physical examination rather than depending on regular symptoms of vomiting and fever. Usually children might show signs of constipation or small stools accompanied by mucus. The symptoms of appendicitis vary in children and hence it is important for parents to contact a healthcare provider.

Elderly people usually experience less severe abdominal pain and less fever. It is also observed that some of the older people might not also know that they are suffering from appendicitis unless their appendix is close to rupture. It is important that the elderly people should call their healthcare provider if they observe pain in the lower abdomen accompanies by fever. Cases of acute appendicitis are treated by the removal of appendix through surgery. The process is simple and does not require any elaborate surgical procedure.

Jason Ladock

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