Although the appendix has no known function, it can cause serious problems when inflamed. Surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy) is the most common reason for abdominal surgery in children.
What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small tube-like structure located where the large and small intestines meet. The appendix has no known use in the body.
It is not clear why the appendix becomes inflamed in some people. However, when the appendix becomes inflamed, it requires immediate medical attention.
What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain when touching the lower right side of the abdomen
- Abdominal pain or tenderness, usually starting in the center of the abdomen above the navel and then shifting to the lower right side. The pain worsens with movement, deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing.
- Low-grade fever
- Inability to pass gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal bloating
- Loss of appetite
Note: Not all symptoms may be present.
Εάν έχετε συμπτώματα σκωληκοειδίτιδας, είναι σημαντικό να μην λαμβάνετε καθαρτικά ή κλύσματα για να απαλλαγείτε από τη δυσκοιλιότητα. Αυτά τα φάρμακα θα μπορούσαν να προκαλέσουν επιδείνωση της φλεγμονής ή επιπλοκή. Θα πρέπει επίσης να αποφύγετε τη λήψη φαρμάκων για τον πόνο που θα μπορούσαν να καλύψουν τα συμπτώματα που θα πρέπει να γνωρίζει ο γιατρός για να διαγνώσει την πάθηση.
If you experience symptoms of appendicitis, it is important not to take laxatives or enemas to relieve constipation. These medications could worsen inflammation or lead to complications. You should also avoid taking pain medications that might mask symptoms that your doctor needs to know to diagnose the condition.
How is Appendicitis Diagnosed?
Appendicitis is diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms, a clinical examination (including a digital rectal examination), blood tests to check for signs of infection (such as a high white blood cell count), and a urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection. Some doctors may perform chest X-rays, as pneumonia in the lower right lung can cause pain similar to that of appendicitis. An ultrasound may also be done to see if the appendix appears inflamed.
How is Appendicitis Treated?
After appendicitis is diagnosed, the doctor will decide whether you need to be hospitalized for further observation or if you can go home.
If you are hospitalized:
You will be closely monitored for 12 to 24 hours to determine if surgery is necessary. If your symptoms are severe, an appendectomy should be performed promptly.
An appendectomy can be done as a laparoscopic or “minimally invasive” procedure. During laparoscopic surgery, 5 or 6 small (5 to 10 millimeters) incisions are made in the abdomen. The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon is guided by the laparoscope, which transmits an image of the internal organs to a monitor. Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include smaller incisions, lower risk of infection, less pain and scarring, and faster recovery.
It is crucial to remove the appendix before it ruptures. If the infected appendix bursts, the infection can spread to the abdomen, causing peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen). A rupture can also lead to an abscess (a localized area of infection) near where the appendix has burst. If the appendix has ruptured, the doctor will leave a drainage tube in the abdomen for a few days after surgery to remove any fluid.
After surgery, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. You may need to take them for 24 hours or longer, depending on whether the appendix has burst and which areas are affected.
Typically, for the first day after surgery, you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything. Then, your doctor will allow you to take small amounts of water, followed by clear liquids, and then some solid foods until you can eat normally again.
If You Go Home
- Do not use pain medications. Taking pain relievers may make it difficult to determine whether the pain from appendicitis is improving or worsening.
- Do not use enemas or laxatives. These increase the risk of rupture.
- Take your temperature every 2 hours and keep a record. Bring it with you when you return to see your doctor.
- Do not take antibiotics unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Contact your doctor if you notice any changes in your condition in the next 6-12 hours.
- You may be asked to bring a urine sample with you when you return in 24 hours for a follow-up examination.
- If you are returning for another examination, do not eat or drink anything on the day of the test.
Call Your Doctor Immediately If You:
- Have uncontrollable vomiting.
- Experience increasing abdominal pain.
- Feel dizzy or faint.
- Notice blood in your vomit or urine.
Who is at Risk for Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is the most common reason for abdominal surgery in children. About 4 out of every 1,000 children under the age of 14 will undergo surgery called an appendectomy to remove the appendix. Appendicitis is rare in children under 2 years old and primarily occurs in individuals aged 15 to 30 years. It is more common in men than in women.
How Can I Prevent Appendicitis?
There is no known way to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis is less frequent in individuals who consume high-fiber foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. If you believe you may have appendicitis, call your doctor immediately so they can evaluate your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.