Appendix is a finger shaped pouch which is an extension of the intestine. It is situated in the lower right abdomen. Appendix is considered to be an insignificant organ but studies have shown that it has some role in maintaining the immunity of the body. A swelling of this organ because of different reasons is called appendicitis. Anyone can get affected by this disorder, but is commonly seen among people of the age group 10 to 40 years.

People with appendicitis have typical symptoms that can be easily identified. The main symptom is the abdominal pain. The pain usually occurs suddenly and at odd times. It starts near the navel and then shifts to the lower right side. This pain is unusual and cannot be related to any sort of pain that you would have felt earlier, it tends to get worse in an hour time and becomes severe when you move around, breathe deeply, cough or sneeze.

The other symptoms of the condition include:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Slight fever followed by the other symptoms

• An inability to pass gas

• Swelling in the abdomen

Appendicitis can result from a series of problems like:

• Food Obstruction: Generally, the food passes through the appendix without any obstruction. However, the food can get stuck and prevent it from draining. This blockage results in building up of undesirable in the appendix and takes the form of appendicitis.

• Fecal Obstruction: This is one of the most common causes of appendicitis. Usually, feces are hard as in the case of constipation. But, having a high fiber diet can prevent the appendix obstruction resulting from fecal matter.

• Mucous: The inner side of the appendix is lined by the appendiceal lumen and mucous created by the appendix travels through the organ to the large intestine. There are times when excess mucous can be produced, which bind with the cells resulting in the blockage of appendix.

• Worms: This can also be a major cause of appendicitis especially in the western world and the third world countries. The worms block the appendix passage that can result in inflammation.

• Swollen Lymph Glands: There are lymph glands in the walls of appendix, which can get swollen and be a possible cause of appendicitis. They result in blocking of the appendix and prevent the proper drainage. The swelling of lymph nodes occurs because of a possible infection.

• Tumor: This is one of the rare causes but is also possible. It is seen to occur in the elderly. The tumor can either start in the appendix or can metastasize from other parts of the body.

• Infection: This is the second most common cause of appendicitis. Bacteria invade the appendix resulting in the white blood cells trying to fight them. If the white blood cells are unable to fight the bacteria it can result in formation of pus and further infection and can lead to appendicitis.

If you observe any of the symptoms of appendicitis, it is important that you meet your health practitioner immediately to get it diagnosed and treated.

Jonathan Pitts

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