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What is appendicitis?

An appendicitis is inflammation or infection in your appendix. The appendix is a tube-like organ in your abdomen. It is attached to the first portion of your large intestine. It has no known purpose. If the infection is not treated, your appendix can become blocked. When this happens, the appendix can burst. This can cause the infection to spread throughout your abdomen. Anyone can get appendicitis. It is most common in teens and young adults.

Symptoms of appendicitis

Symptoms can start fast and get worse over time. They include:

• Pain on the right side of the abdomen.
• Swelling, and pressure in the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Inability to pass gas.

Not everyone with appendicitis has all these symptoms. Other conditions can cause the same symptoms: constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, and abdominal adhesions.

What causes appendicitis?

Several things can cause appendicitis. They include:

• A blocked opening inside the appendix.
• Abdominal infection.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Stool, parasites, or growths inside your appendix.
• Trauma or injury to your abdomen.

Sometimes, the cause is unknown.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may do a physical exam. They may also will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. Your healthcare provider may order certain tests. These include blood, urine, and possibly a pregnancy test. Additional tests may include an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

Can appendicitis be prevented or avoided?

Appendicitis cannot be prevented. Research suggests there may be preventive benefits from maintaining a high-fibre diet. This would include fruits and vegetables.

Appendicitis treatment

A mild case of appendicitis may be cured with antibiotics alone. Most of the time, surgery is required. If you require surgery, your healthcare provider may give you antibiotics before the procedure. There are two types of surgery, including:

• Laparoscopic: A surgeon makes several small incisions in your abdomen. They will insert a scope to look inside. The surgeon will use small tools to remove the appendix through the small incisions. This type has a short recovery time.
• Laparotomy: A surgeon removes your appendix through a single incision in the lower, right abdomen. This requires more recovery time and is often required in more complicated cases of appendicitis.

Patients usually recover well after surgery. You will need to limit physical activity for the first 3 to 5 days after laparoscopic surgery. Avoid strenuous activity/heavy lifting for 6 weeks after surgery unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.  Limit it for 10 to 14 days after a laparotomy.

If your appendix bursts, surgery and recovery are more complicated. Your surgeon will need to clean the infection that spreads inside your abdomen. If not treated quickly, the infection could lead to serious illness and death.

Living with appendicitis

Appendicitis pain is often progressive and intense. Therefore, most people seek medical attention quickly.