Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped, small pouch joined with the large intestine. This condition requires immediate medical attention because the appendix can burst and result in serious, life-threatening infections. Appendicitis frequently results in sudden pain, generally starting near the belly button and moving to the lower right side of the abdomen. Additional symptoms may involve fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and nausea.

The actual reason for appendicitis is not known, but it can develop when the appendix is blocked by infection, a foreign body, or stool. Although appendicitis can impact individuals of any age, the ones between the ages of 10 & 30 are more inclined to develop symptoms. To avoid rupture, the appendix is usually removed by surgery (appendectomy). Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications such as abdominal lining infection, or peritonitis.

Symptoms

Appendicitis can present in various symptoms, which may start mild and get worse as the illness advances.

• Sudden pain in the lower abdomen: The most prominent symptom of appendicitis is severe pain in the right lower abdomen. The pain is mild in the initial stage and then gradually worsens with time.
• Pain that worsens with movement: The pain becomes more severe during activities like walking, coughing, or inhaling.
• Nausea and vomiting: Vomiting and nausea usually result from appendicitis because the inflammation disrupts the digestive system.
• Loss of appetite: Individuals with appendicitis may lose their desire to eat, as inflammation and pain in the abdomen disrupt normal digestion.
• Low-grade fever: A mild fever can occur due to the body’s attempt to deal with the infection that causes inflammation of the appendix.
• Abdominal swelling: With the increase in inflammation, the abdomen may become swollen or feel sensitive to the touch.
• Constipation or diarrhea: An inflamed appendix can cause a bowel movement problem, like constipation or diarrhea, due to a disturbance in the digestive system.

When to See a Doctor

When you experience serious pain in the abdomen, especially in the lower right side, you must seek immediate medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and intervention can prevent severe complications like a ruptured appendix.

FitwellHub offers advanced diagnostic services to diagnose the symptoms and to see if appendicitis is present. Our experienced and specialized panel of doctors provides both surgical and non-invasive treatment approaches for appendicitis.

Causes

The exact cause of appendicitis is not completely known, but it usually occurs because of a blockage or obstruction within the appendix that can lead to swelling and infection.

• Blockage of the appendix opening: Blockage in the appendix due to mucus, stool, or other substances, can cause a buildup of bacteria and later infection.
• Enlarged lymphoid follicles: The lymphoid tissue in the appendix may swell because of inflammation or infection somewhere else in the body, obstructing the appendix and resulting in appendicitis.
• Accumulation of fecal matter: Hardened stool named fecaliths, can cause blockage in the appendix, resulting in inflammation and bacterial infection.
• Parasites or foreign bodies: Very rarely, parasitic infections and foreign bodies can enter the appendix, causing a blockage in its openings.
• Tumors: In some cases, abnormal growths or tumors in the appendix can lead to blockages and appendicitis.
• Gastrointestinal infections: Gastrointestinal tract infections including viral or bacterial infections can cause swelling in the appendix.
• Trauma to the abdomen: Blunt trauma to the abdomen can damage or inflame the appendix, leading to appendicitis.

Risk Factors

Various factors may trigger the chances of appendicitis development. The risk factors given below can raise the chances of appendicitis.

• Age: Appendicitis can occur at any age but mostly affects people of age between 10 to 30 years. 
• Family history: A person with a family history of appendicitis may have a greater chance of developing this condition.
• Gender: Males are more susceptible to appendicitis development as compared to females. In a study at Lahore General Hospital in Pakistan, 61.3% of appendicitis patients were male and 38.7% were female.
• Low-fiber diet: Intake of a low-fiber diet results in constipation, thereby increasing the chances of appendix blockage.
• Cystic fibrosis: Individuals with cystic fibrosis can have greater chances of developing appendicitis due to gastrointestinal tract problems.
• Crohn’s disease: Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases are at a higher risk of developing appendicitis.

Complications

Appendicitis, if left untreated, leads to serious complications. Here are some of the most serious complications:

1- Ruptured appendix

This is one of the most dangerous complications because once the appendix ruptures, poisonous bacteria enter the abdominal cavity leading to a widespread infection known as peritonitis.

2- Abscess formation

Abscess develops around the appendix due to an attempt of the body to deal with the infection itself, creating a pus-filled pocket.

3- Sepsis

When an infection spreads in the body, sepsis develops. It can be life-threatening if not treated early.

4- Bowel obstruction

Inflammation in the appendix can cause blockage in the intestine, and prevent food from passing through the digestive system.

Prevention

No method can ensure complete prevention of appendicitis, but some lifestyle modifications can decrease the chances of developing the condition:

• High-fiber diet: Intake of a diet high in fiber can assist in preventing constipation, leading to decreased chances of appendix blockages.
• Hydration: Drinking enough water to stay hydrated, assists in maintaining healthy digestion and stops the accumulation of fecal matter.
• Regular exercise: Physical activities help control bowel movements and prevent obstructions in the digestive system.
• Preventing infections: Gastrointestinal infections can be avoided by practicing good hygiene like reducing contact with sick people and handwashing.

FitwellHub offers Healthy Elite Lifestyle Program which assists in maintaining gastrointestinal health and preventing complications such as appendicitis. To get expert advice, visit our help page.

Diagnosis

Appendicitis can be diagnosed by clinical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging tests. Some important tests used are:

Diagnostic Method	Purpose	Details
Physical Examination	To check for inflammation of the appendix	The physician presses the lower right abdomen; sudden pain upon pressure release indicates appendicitis.
Blood Tests	To detect infection	High white blood cell counts are identified, which often indicate appendicitis.
Imaging Tests	To confirm the existence of appendicitis	Includes ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans to visualize the appendix.
Urine Tests	To identify other causes of abdominal pain	Helps detect conditions like kidney stones or urinary tract infections.

FitwellHub provides advanced diagnostic services like blood tests or imaging tests for diagnosing appendicitis. Our experienced panel of doctors provides early and accurate diagnoses to start treatment quickly. To schedule a test, visit our lab.

Treatment

Appendicitis treatment generally includes surgical removal of the appendix. Different treatment approaches can also be used based on the severity of the condition.

1- Appendectomy

It can be performed as an open surgery or laparoscopically (minimally invasive) This approach is the most effective and usually used for appendicitis treatment. 

It involves the surgical removal of the appendix, which stops the infection from expanding and removes the chances of rupture.

2- Antibiotics

Antibiotics are also used in some cases, to cure early or mild appendicitis or before surgery to decrease infection.

3- Drainage of abscesses

When an abscess develops, it may require to be drained before surgical removal of the appendix. In this method, a needle is inserted to eliminate the pus and reduce further complications.

If you’re considering different treatment plans, a Medical Second Opinion can help ensure you’re choosing the right approach. FitwellHub’s expert panel is here to assist, visit our SOS page to book an appointment.

Medications

Medications play a key role in appendicitis treatment, particularly before and after surgery, in order to manage it effectively. A few medications that can be prescribed are:

• Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics assist in treating infection and decrease inflammation before and after surgery.
• Pain relievers: Pain healthcare management is crucial for people going through surgery and doctors usually prescribe painkillers to reduce discomfort.
• Antiemetics: To control common symptoms of appendicitis such as vomiting and nausea, antiemetics are used.
• IV fluids: Intravenous fluids are usually used to minimize dehydration, particularly when the patient is not able to drink or eat due to this condition.

FitwellHub offers a variety of pharmaceutical services, such as medications for appendicitis. To place your order, visit our pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)