Acute appendicitis involves abrupt inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small-sized organ with a shape of a finger and positioned on the right flank of the abdomen and branches to the initial segment of the large intestine.
The appendix does not have any known function but it is capable of triggering issues by becoming diseased just like any other organ in the body. It is the usual reason why abdominal surgery is performed.
If the condition is not treated promptly, it can rupture and leak out the fecal matter into the abdominal region leading to peritonitis which is a life-threatening infection. The condition is typically seen among individuals ages 20-30 but can occur at any age.
What are the causes?
- In most cases of acute appendicitis, it is usually caused by obstruction of the intestinal lumen which leads to the invasion of the gut flora into the appendix wall.
- A bacterial infection
- Obstruction in the appendix due to a lump of feces, tumors and calcium salts
- Swelling and inflammation in the appendix which leads to infection and formation of a blood clot
- Lymphoid hyperplasia
What are the indications?
Among young children or the elderly, they might have mild indications of acute appendicitis. In some individuals, various symptoms can manifest which includes the following:
- Vague tenderness or discomfort close to the navel that radiates to the right lower quadrants of the abdomen in the early phases
- Localized sharp and constant pain in a few hours
- Pain intensifies with movement, sneezing, deep breathing, walking and coughing or if the affected area is touched
- Low grade fever below 102 degrees F. If the individual has high fever and chills, it is an indication of an abscessed appendix.
- Rapid heartbeat
- Abdominal swelling in the late stage
- Nausea and vomiting in some cases
- Appetite loss
- Coated tongue and bad breath
- Painful and/or frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
- Abdominal bloating among infants
- Abrupt cessation of abdominal pain after the mentioned symptoms manifested indicates a ruptured appendix which is a medical emergency
Management of acute appendicitis
If the individual experiences any symptoms indicative of acute appendicitis, it is vital to get in touch with a doctor right away. In case the symptoms are vague, the temperature should be taken every 2 hours and noted down.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is a surgical procedure in which the appendix is taken out via a small-sized incision using a laparoscope. Surgery is done right away and must not be delayed for more than a few hours. The procedure involves minimal scarring and has rapid recovery time.