Appendicitis Health Article

Definition

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which is the worm-shaped pouch attached to the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine. The appendix has no known function in the body, but it can become diseased. Appendicitis is a medical emergency, and if it is left untreated, the appendix may rupture and cause a potentially fatal infection.

Description

Appendicitis is the one of the most common abdominal emergencies found in the United States. More males than females develop appendicitis. It is rare in the elderly and in children under the age of two. The hallmark symptom of appendicitis is increasingly severe abdominal pain. Since many different conditions can cause abdominal pain, an accurate diagnosis of appendicitis can be difficult. Other conditions can have symptoms similar to appendicitis, especially in women. These include pelvic inflammatory disease, ruptured ovarian follicles, ruptured ovarian cysts, tubal pregnancies, and endometriosis. Various forms of stomach upset and bowel inflammation may also mimic appendicitis.

A timely diagnosis of appendicitis is important, because a delay can result in perforation, or rupture, of the appendix. When this happens, the infected contents of the appendix spill into the abdomen, potentially causing a serious infection of the abdomen called peritonitis. Very rarely, the inflammation and symptoms of appendicitis may disappear but recur again later. If appendicitis is suspected, the following activities should be avoid, as they may cause the appendix to rupture:

• consuming food or drink
• taking pain medication, laxatives, or antacids
• the use of a heating pad on the affected area

Causes & symptoms

The causes of appendicitis are not totally understood, but are believed to occur as a result of blockage of the appendix. This blockage may be due to fecal matter, a foreign body in the large intestine, cancerous tumors, a parasite infestation, or swelling from an infection.

The distinguishing symptom of appendicitis is the migration of pain to the lower right corner of the abdomen. The abdomen often becomes rigid and tender to the touch. The patient may bend the knees in reaction to the pain. Increased rigidity and tenderness indicate an increased likelihood of perforation and peritonitis. Loss of appetite is very common, accompanied by a low–grade fever, and occasionally there is constipation or diarrhea, as well as nausea. Unfortunately, these signs and symptoms may vary widely. Atypical symptoms are particularly present in pregnant women, the elderly, and young children.

If bacteria multiply unchecked within the appendix, it will become swollen and filled with pus, and may eventually rupture. This produces an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal wall, or peritonitis, which is a medical emergency. Signs of rupture include the presence of symptoms for more than 24 hours, a high fever, a distended abdomen, a high white blood cell count, and an increased heart rate.