Symptoms Of Appendicitis, Causes & Treatment

In this article on Myhealthonly, You will know about What is Appendicitis. Also here we will discuss in detail the symptoms of appendicitis, its causes & treatment.

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a painful medical condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus. The appendix fills with pus, a fluid containing dead cells and inflamed tissue that often results from infection. On the lower right side of the abdomen, the large intestine is attached to a small, finger-sized pouch called the appendix.

How Common Is Appendicitis?

Worldwide, appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain that requires surgery. 5 to 9 out of every 100 people experience appendicitis at some point. Anyone can get appendicitis, although people between the ages of 10 and 30 are most prone to it.

What happens if the appendix bursts?

Sometimes, the patient does not go to the doctor until he has ruptured appendicitis for several days or weeks. In cases where an abscess usually forms, the appendicular opening can heal.

Although an abscess usually requires drainage, if it is a minor abscess, it can be treated with antibiotics at an early stage. Using an ultrasound or CT scan, which can pinpoint the exact location of the abscess, a drain (a thin plastic or rubber tube) is usually inserted through the skin and into the site of infection. The drain enables the pus of the boil to drain out of the body.

The appendix may be removed a few weeks or months after the abscess has healed. Interval appendectomy is performed to avoid the re-development of appendicitis.

What does the pain of appendicitis feel like?

Pain in the lower abdomen suddenly starts on the right side. Unexpected pain that often radiates to your lower right abdomen, starting near your navel. The discomfort gets worse when you cough, walk or make other jerky movements. Additionally, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Your discomfort may fluctuate depending on your age and where your appendix is ​​located. During pregnancy, your appendix is ​​enlarged, so the discomfort may feel as if it started in your upper abdomen.

Types Of Appendicitis

There are two forms of appendicitis according to the time of onset, which is as follows:

• Acute Appendicitis: This condition manifests over a few days to hours and requires immediate medical attention or surgery.
• Chronic Appendicitis: Appendicitis that is chronic means that the inflammation lasts for a very long time. This is a rare disease.

Additionally, depending on the difficulties:

• Simple appendicitis – Complication-free cases.
• Appendix rupture or abscess is the common result in cases of uncomplicated appendicitis.

Acute Appendicitis

Severe and sudden attacks of appendicitis are called acute. Between the ages of 10 and 30, children and young adults are most likely to experience it, and men experience it more often than women. Over the course of a day, the pain often starts out mild and increases quickly.

It requires emergency medical attention. If left untreated, it can cause your appendix to rupture. This problem has the potential to be fatal.

About 7 to 9 percent of people may experience acute appendicitis in their lifetime, which is more prevalent than chronic appendicitis.

Chronic Appendicitis

Chronic appendicitis occurs less frequently than acute appendicitis. Only 1.5% of people who have already experienced chronic appendicitis experience it.

Symptoms of chronic appendicitis can be mild and are generally similar to those of acute appendicitis. It may take weeks, months, or even years for symptoms to disappear and start again.

This type of appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose. Sometimes, it is not diagnosed until it turns into acute appendicitis. Persistent appendicitis can be fatal.

What Are The Signs Or Symptoms Of Appendicitis?

Symptoms of appendicitis include the following:

• Sudden right side pain in the lower abdomen.
• Unexpected pain that often radiates from the area around your navel to your lower right abdomen
• Pain that gets worse with coughing, moving, or other means
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Mild fever that may get worse as the disease worsens
• Swelling
• Abdominal distension

What are the early warning signs of appendicitis?

The only signs and symptoms of early appendicitis are: being sick frequently and a general feeling of nausea and vomiting. There might not even be a stomach ache. However, when appendicitis gets worse, abdominal pain becomes its main symptom.

What is the cause of appendicitis?

It is not clear what causes appendicitis to develop. Your appendix becomes infected or irritated, resulting in swelling and pain. Possible reasons include:

• Stomach damage.
• Blockage at the point where the appendix and intestines converge.
• Intestinal infection.
• Inflammation of the colon.
• Development inside the appendix.

How can you prevent appendicitis?

Appendicitis currently cannot be prevented. For example, scientists have not discovered that a particular diet can cause appendicitis.

Although experts are puzzled as to why, eating a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables may be beneficial. Additionally, your doctor may recommend you take a fiber supplement.

What to do:

Listed here are some of the methods that you should follow during Appendicitis:

• Fewer enemas should be given every day for the first three days to clear the lower colon. Each should hold about a pint (half a liter) of hot water.
• The painful area should be covered with hot compresses several times a day.
• Regular use of abdominal packs is recommended until all clinical symptoms subside. These packs consist of a strip of wet sheet that is wrapped in dry flannel cloth and tied tightly around the abdomen.
• After consuming fruit juices for three days, the patient can have a full-fruit diet for the next four or five days. During this, fresh, juicy fruits should be consumed in each of the three diets during the day.
• Regular consumption of fenugreek seed tea has also been beneficial. In escaping the appendix acts as a holding area for excess mucus and intestinal waste.

Don’t:

Listed here are some things that you must follow during Appendicitis:

• Because fatty, fried foods can spoil the digestive system. Avoid consuming them.
• Alcohol damages the liver, which affects digestion.
• Red meat has a high-fat content and is difficult to digest.
• Cakes, pastries, and other sweets with high sugar should be avoided.

Who is most likely to get appendicitis?

Appendicitis can happen to anyone at any age, although it most commonly affects individuals in their teens and early 20s. The tween or teen years are when appendicitis occurs most often in children. However, elementary school children can get appendicitis.

Appendicitis – Diagnosis & Tests

The initial step in the diagnosis of appendicitis is a complete history of appendicitis and a physical examination. When the doctor pushes the right lower abdomen, the patient usually has a moderate to severe level of pain and often a high body temperature. If the inflammation has affected the peritoneum, there will often be rebound discomfort. Rebound pain occurs when the doctor gently presses the abdomen on the painful area; This discomfort is aggravated when the doctor suddenly withdraws his hand from there. It occurs as a result of a sudden rebound of the peritoneum after it is deformed by finger pressure.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

The doctor will evaluate the patient and inquire about their symptoms. The doctor may apply pressure to the lower abdomen to determine whether the pressure increases the discomfort.

Doctors will diagnose appendicitis if they notice common symptoms and signs of the condition. If not they will request additional tests. Testing may include:

• Blood test to look for infection
• MRI, CT, or ultrasound to check the health of the appendix.
• Tests for kidney or bladder infections using urine

What tests are done for appendicitis?

Appendicitis is diagnosed using the procedures and tests listed below:

• Physical test to check your pain – Your doctor may gently touch the painful area. Appendicitis pain often worsens when pressure is suddenly released, a sign that the peritoneum in that area is irritated.
• Your doctor may also check for abdominal tightness and a tendency for your abdominal muscles to harden in response to pressure on the inflamed appendix (guarding).
• Your doctor may use a lubricated, gloved finger to examine your lower rectum (digital rectal exam). For women of childbearing age, a pelvic exam may be offered to look for any gynecological problems that may be a source of pain.
• Blood tests – As a result, your doctor may check your white blood cell count to look for signs of infection.
• Urine test – Your doctor may recommend a urinalysis to make sure that a kidney infection or urinary tract infection is not the cause of your pain.
• Imaging exams – Your doctor may also suggest an abdominal X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, positron emission tomography (CT) scan or functional MRI imaging help rule out other possible causes of your pain (MRI).

How can you do a home test for appendicitis?

Here are some appendicitis symptoms that you can check for at home:

• Lower abdominal pain or lower level nasolabial pain. Usually, this is the first sign.
• Loss of appetite
• Immediately following the onset of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
• Bloated stomach
• 99-102 Fahrenheit fever
• Unable to pass gas
• You may feel dull or intense discomfort anywhere in your upper or lower abdomen or back.
• Difficult or painful to urinate
• Vomiting before experiencing abdominal pain
• Painful cramps
• Diarrhea or constipation with gas

What are the possible side effects of appendicitis?

If a deteriorating appendix is ​​not taken care of, it can explode. Infection from a ruptured appendix can result in life-threatening conditions and even death. People’s complications are:

• Abscess: Your pus sac or appendicular abscess can become infected. Your health-care professional will put a tube in your abdomen for drainage. Before surgery, these tubes drain the fluid from the abscess. The drainage process can take a week or more. You take antibiotics during this time to avoid illness. Your appendix will be surgically removed after the abscess is removed.

• Abdominal infection: If peritonitis spreads to the abdomen, it can be fatal. The torn appendix is ​​removed through abdominal surgery (laparotomy), and the infection is also treated.

• Sepsis: Your bloodstream can become infected with the bacteria causing a ruptured appendix. If this happens, sepsis, a dangerous disease, can occur. Sepsis causes many of your organs to become severely swollen. It can end fatally. To treat it, strong antibiotics must be used in the hospital.

Appendicitis Home Remedies

There is no home remedy for appendicitis. If a diagnosis has been made for your appendix, you will need to have your appendix surgically removed. However, as long as you wait for the day of surgery, you can follow these steps-

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Drink lots of water
• Take a walk every day
• Indulging in intense activity and carrying heavy objects should be avoided unless your doctor considers it safe to do so.
• Keep the places where you had surgery clean and dry.

Your doctor may advise you to change your diet in special circumstances. If you’re feeling nauseous after surgery, eating soft foods like toast and plain rice may help. A fiber supplement may be helpful if you are constipated.

What to eat in Appendicitis?

• Beverages: Coconut Water, Carrot Juice, Beet Juice, Cucumber Juice, Herbal Tea, Green Tea.
• Dairy products: Buttermilk, low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt, tofu.
• Nuts: Pumpkin seeds, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, dates, and raisins.
• Oils: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil.
• Spices: Fenugreek, Ginger, Oregano, Cumin, Coriander, Mint.
• Legumes: Green gram, lentils, sprouted grains, yellow lentils, green lentils, chickpeas.
• Cereals: Wheat porridge, white rice, rava porridge, barley, oats, bread.
• Vegetables: Gourd, Carrot, Okra, Snake Gourd, Beet, Cucumber, Potato, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Squash, Green Leafy Vegetables, Kale, Spinach, Cabbage, Beet.
• Fruits: Apple, Avocado, Amla, Apricot, Banana, Orange, Lime, Strawberry, Papaya, Melon, Guava, Kiwi, Pineapple, Mango, Blueberry, Peach.

What not to eat in Appendicitis?

• Beverages: Alcohol, carbonated drinks, canned fruit, coffee, juice, and tea.
• Dairy products: Fatty milk, cheese, ice cream, butter.
• Nuts: Pistachios.
• Spices: Black pepper, salt, oregano, chili.
• Legumes: kidney beans, black gram.
• Grains: White Flour, Pasta, Macaroni.
• Vegetables: Beans, broccoli, beets, cabbage, cruciferous vegetables, packaged vegetables, leafy vegetables, kale, spinach.
• Fruit: Canned or canned fruit.

Appendicitis Treatment

Once appendicitis is definitively diagnosed, appendectomy – a surgical procedure to remove the appendix – is usually performed. Antibiotics are usually started as soon as appendicitis is diagnosed and prior to surgery. Recently, it has been claimed that antibiotics alone are sufficient in cases of low inflammation and no problems.

There are some patients whose inflammation and infection in the appendix are ​​moderate and confined to a small area. The body has the ability to prevent as well as control both infection and inflammation. Most of the time, these individuals are not seriously unwell and recover after a few days of observation. The term “limited appendicitis” refers to this type of appendicitis, which can only be treated with antibiotics. Later the appendix may or may not be removed. However, since appendicitis can recur, there is still much debate about whether to leave a repaired appendix in place.

Sometimes, the patient does not go to the doctor until he has appendicitis with a rupture for several days or weeks. In this case, where an abscess usually forms, appendiceal perforation can be cured. Although an abscess usually requires drainage, it can be initially treated with antibiotics. Using ultrasound or CT scan that can pinpoint the exact location of the abscess, a drain (a thin plastic or rubber tube) is usually inserted through the skin and into the site of infection. The drain enables the pus of the boil to drain out of the body. The appendix may be removed a few weeks or months after the abscess has healed. An interval appendectomy is performed to avoid re-developing appendicitis.

Which doctor should be consulted for appendicitis?

For appendicitis, a doctor or general surgeon is usually needed initially. Because of the excruciating pain that goes along with the illness, emergency room visits are quite common.

When should I seek medical help?

If you have just received antibiotic therapy, contact your doctor immediately if you develop any new symptoms of appendicitis. Also, if you encounter any of the following while recovering from appendectomy surgery:

• Constipation.
• Fever.
• Infection at the surgical site (incision) is characterized by: swelling, redness, or yellow pus.
• Sharp pain in the lower abdomen.

If you face any of the above-mentioned symptoms, visit the best doctors at Pristyn Care and book your appointment. They will be there to diagnose and treat you.

Appendicitis treatment without surgery

For appendicitis, it is necessary to undergo surgery. Because other means of treatment can only temporarily reduce the pain. Antibiotics are given to people who may have appendicitis before surgery. With antibiotic treatment, some patients may get better and avoid surgery.

Appendicitis may only require antibiotic treatment in some mild cases. Surgery is still the standard of medicine, but researchers are looking into who can safely postpone it based on their symptoms, test results, health, and age.

What are the best medicines for appendicitis?

Appendicitis cannot be treated with medicines, but after surgery, your doctor may prescribe you some effective medicines to prevent infection. Specifically, cefotetan and cefotaxime (Claforan, Mefoxin), two antibiotics used to treat appendicitis, help prevent wound infection after surgery.

Common antibiotics for appendicitis include:

• Zocin (Piperacillin and Tazobactam)
• Unasyn (Ampicillin and Sulbactam)
• Timentin (Ticarcillin and clavulanate)
• Rocephin (Ceftriaxone)
• Maxipime (Cefepime)
• Gentamicin (Gentacidin, Garamycin)
• Merrem (Meropenem)
• Invanz (Ertapenem)
• Flagyl (Metronidazole)
• Cleocin (Clindamycin)
• Levaquin (Levofloxacin)

Your doctor will probably recommend an intravenous (IV) antibiotic to treat any recurrent abdominal infections, such as peritonitis, a dangerous condition of the peritoneum membrane lining your abdominal cavity, or a ruptured appendix. In case of having your appendix removed.

What are surgery and medical treatment for appendicitis?

Appendicitis surgery treatments include:

Laparoscopy:

It is a precise procedure that requires only a small incision and little bleeding. As a result, scarring is less and the healing time is shorter than in open surgery. Laparoscopic, keyhole, or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) includes the steps listed below:

1. The surgeon uses a laparoscope inserted into the abdomen—a very thin tube containing a small video camera and light—through a hollow instrument known as a cannula.
2. On a monitor, the surgeon can see a magnified image of the abdomen.
3. Small abdominal incisions are used to remove the appendix, which is done with the help of small instruments controlled by the surgeon’s hands.

Open Surgery:

In extremely rare circumstances, a larger incision will be made, to allow complete cleaning of the abdominal cavity.

1. This will happen if the appendix has ruptured and the infection has migrated.
2. Abscess, brought on by the appendix.
3. The patient has a tumor in the digestive tract.
4. Nine months pregnant, the patient is a woman.
5. The patient has undergone several abdominal procedures.

After open surgery, the patient will receive intravenous antibiotics.

What is the procedure for appendicitis surgery?

• During an appendectomy, a two to three-inch-long incision is made through the skin and layers of the abdominal wall at the site of the appendix.
• The surgeon enters the abdomen and examines there because the appendix is ​​usually found in the right lower abdomen.
• The appendix is ​​removed after a thorough inspection of the space around it to rule out the presence of any other problems. This is accomplished by cutting the appendix free from the mesenteric attachment of the colon, sewing over the hole in the colon, and then reattaching the appendix. If an abscess is present, the drains from the abscess can release pus through the skin.
• Next, the abdominal incision is stitched up.

The laparoscope is being used in a new way to remove the appendix. The surgeon can examine the inside of the abdomen with a laparoscope, a small telescope with a video camera attached, through a small puncture cut (instead of a large incision). If appendicitis is detected, the appendix may be removed using special instruments, such as a laparoscope, inserted into the abdomen through small puncture incisions.

Less post-operative discomfort (because the bulk of the pain after surgery is due to the incisions) and a faster return to normal activities are two advantages of a laparoscopic procedure. In cases where the diagnosis of appendicitis is uncertain, laparoscopy gives the surgeon the opportunity to examine the abdomen and make an accurate diagnosis. For example, laparoscopy is especially beneficial for menstruating women because the rupture of an ovarian cyst can look like appendicitis.

How long does it take to recover from appendicitis?

The speed of recovery after an appendectomy depends on how bad the swelling was. If the swelling is mild, the healing process may take from a few days to a week. If there is more severe inflammation, such as an abscess or localized appendix perforation, recovery may take several weeks. Even longer may be needed if the appendix spontaneously ruptures in the peritoneal cavity (abdomen). Laparoscopic surgery has replaced “open” surgery, resulting in a much faster recovery.

What is the cost of Appendicitis treatment in India?

Compared to laparoscopy, an open appendectomy requires several days of hospital stay. This explains why the cost of the whole process has gone up. However, the normal cost of the course of treatment is around Rs. 40000, not more.

Are the effects of the treatment long-lasting?

Most of the time, these treatments have permanent results as the chances of recurrence are very low.

Who is eligible for the treatment of Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an emergency appendix disease characterized by: excruciating pain from the lower right corner of the abdomen to the surrounding area. The discomfort comes quickly and lasts for a while. So, everyone affected by appendicitis can opt for the treatment.

Who is not eligible for the treatment of Appendicitis?

Since it is an emergency appendix disease, one is not ineligible for treatment of appendicitis.

What are the post-treatment guidelines for appendicitis?

Following are some important post-treatment recommendations that should be followed in cases of appendicitis:

• After surgery, prevention of wound infections through good hygiene practices.
• Taking steps to prevent bowel irregularities.
• Taking precautions to reduce the possibility of damage or damage to any nearby organ.
• Appropriate and adequate preventive measures to avoid the appearance of abdominal bloating and redness in the afflicted area.

What are the side effects of Appendicitis Treatment?

Side effects are very rare cases and do not occur at all if the surgery is performed by a good surgeon. The benefits of surgery outweigh the rare side effects it causes. However, this surgery can have some complications in the form of side effects that cannot be ignored. Here are a few examples:

• Bleeding that may be excessive or typical.
• Infection after surgery on the wound.
• Bowel movements that are irregular.
• Any nearby organ that has been injured or damaged.
• Simultaneous swelling and redness in the abdomen

If you face any of the above-mentioned side effects then you can go to the best surgeons in the country at Pristine Care and make an appointment for yourself. They will guide you through the whole process and help you in every possible way.

Appendicitis – Outlook/ Prognosis

Your general health, whether you experience complications from appendicitis or surgery, and your recovery from appendicitis will affect the course.

If you have laparoscopic surgery to remove your appendix, you may be allowed to leave the hospital the same day or a few hours later.

If you have had open surgery, you will probably need more recovery time in the hospital. Compared to laparoscopic surgery, open surgery is more intrusive and often requires more after-care.

Your healthcare provider can teach you how to care for the incision site before you leave the hospital. To aid your recovery, they may prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers. They may also suggest that you change your diet, abstain from physically demanding activities, or change other aspects of your normal routine while you recover.

It may take a few weeks for your appendicitis and the recovery process after surgery. If problems arise, your recovery may take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions: