What Is An Appendix?
The appendix is a tiny, finger-like pouch linked to the big intestine, located on the lower right side of the abdomen. There are many theories revolving around the actual use and benefit of this organ. The real reason why it is present in our body has been under scrutiny by scientists for ages. The appendix had been considered to be a useless organ for a long time, but now various factors imply that this is an organ where good bacteria reside, to help fight against infection. The appendix seems to be an integral but unexplored part of our immune system. Other scientists believe the organ may have been of use to early man, to digest tough leaves and barks. The appendix is made up of two types of tissues – the outside layer is lined with muscle tissue, and the inside has lymphatic tissue, which produces the antibodies. Although it is a known fact that people without an appendix are able to live just as well as others, the usefulness of the organ is still a hotly debated topic.
What Are The Symptoms?
The very first symptom is abdominal pain. The pain is not contained to any particular area; it is spread around the lower right region of the abdomen. The intensity of pain may increase as the infection spreads. Such intense abdominal pain is sharper than the other normal abdominal aches one is used to.
- Another common symptom is nausea and/or vomiting as soon as the pain begins.
- A fever ranging from 99° F to 102° F is also common.
- Abdominal pain, cramps, tenderness, and swelling are usual signs.
- Loss of appetite and diarrhea are also typical.
Other symptoms include:
- Strong discomfort in the back, rectum, or upper or lower abdomen
- Painful urination
- Severe cramps
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Inability to pass gas
As time goes on, all of these symptoms are most likely to worsen. Keep in mind that not everyone who has appendicitis will unquestionably experience all of the symptoms listed above. You could therefore visit the appendix hospital in Coimbatore for greater benefits.
What Is Acute Appendicitis?
One of the most common causes of severe abdominal discomfort is acute appendicitis, an infection of the appendix. It is often treated surgically as an emergency. The consequences of this are very serious and you need to be treated with antibiotics immediately. Appendicitis is the most common acute surgical procedure carried out on the abdomen.
What Is Chronic Appendicitis?
Although acute appendicitis is more common and develops faster, chronic appendicitis is rarer and much slower. Because of this, it can be challenging to diagnose and treat chronic appendicitis in a timely manner.
Some people with chronic appendicitis may only feel fatigued and mild pain in their stomach, it is natural to confuse this condition with the common stomach flu or virus. If discovered in time, it can be treated with powerful antibiotics, saving the patient the need to undergo surgery.
What Is Perforated Appendicitis?
As the amount of pus in the appendix keeps on increasing, over a period of time it will burst open or perforated. Perforated appendicitis is where a hole is formed in the inflamed appendix. This may occur 48 to 72 hours after the symptoms begin.
What Is The Usual Diagnostic Procedure?
The diagnosis of appendicitis may vary from person to person depending upon the symptoms. It can be tricky as they are similar to other complaints, such as bladder, stomach, intestine, or urinary-related problems. The doctor will ask for a brief medical history of the patient and proceed accordingly. Pressure on the abdominal area is applied to check whether the pain increases or not. Here are the usual tests conducted during diagnosis:
- Abdominal examination
- Urine test
- Rectal exam
- Blood tests
- CT scans, X-rays, and/or an ultrasound
What Kinds Of Treatment Options Are Available?
There is no way to prevent appendicitis after it has developed, surgery is the only treatment. There are two types of appendicitis surgery – the first one is appendectomy or appendicectomy and the second is laparoscopy.
Appendectomy
This is the most common treatment for acute appendicitis, where the appendix is at risk to burst inside the abdominal cavity, due to rapid inflammation. The appendix can rupture and spill the infection into the bloodstream. Before the surgery, antibiotics are normally prescribed as there are chances of peritonitis.
Appendectomy may take longer to heal and might result in more scarring. This is one of the reasons why the other type of surgery is recommended by an appendix doctor.
Laparoscopy
In this surgery, several tiny cuts are made in the abdomen and a miniature camera and surgical instruments are inserted into it. A thin, lighted tube is put through an incision in the belly to look at the abdominal area and find out where exactly the appendix is fixed. The main advantage of this surgery is that there are fewer incisions made on the patient – which means lesser pain, minimal scarring, and a brief recovery time. Laparoscopic surgery is considered to be a safer and less invasive option compared to the other traditional kinds of surgery.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while recovering:
- A healthy and nutritious diet is a necessity. Your doctor will advise you on which kind of food to include and to avoid in your diet.
- All your medicines need to be taken regularly as prescribed.
- Adequate rest and sleep are necessary to make the wounds heal faster and make you stronger.
- Make sure you support your abdomen when getting up, lying down, walking, or coughing during the initial stages.
- Last but not least, do not force your body to carry on your normal activities if you are not up to it. Your body is still tender and sore and needs time to return to your usual lifestyle.
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