Appendicitis: What You Need to Know

Appendicitis is a serious condition that can be life threatening. Knowing the symptoms of appendicitis is vital to attaining medical care before the condition becomes an emergency. In August, British man Mark Wattson had his appendix "removed" twice. Three weeks prior to his second "removal", Wattson had an appendectomy after enduring months of pain. Only weeks after having the supposed appendectomy, he collapsed from appendix pain. Wattson was rushed to the hospital where he discovered that he had not had the appendectomy one month earlier. His appendix was never removed. Mark Wattson' second operation was a success and his surgeons are now certain that his appendix is removed.

What is the appendix?

The appendix is a small organ in the abdomen which protrudes from the large intestine. It has been thought by scientific and medical communities that the appendix served no purpose today, but served a purpose in our evolutionary past. Recent news, however, holds that the appendix may still be useful and serve an important role in fighting infections in the body. This organ may help restore a healthy balance of good bacteria after a bout of diarrhea.

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a serious medical condition involving an inflammation in the appendix, which can lead to a life-threatening infection.

What causes appendicitis?

Appendicitis is caused by the obstruction of the appendix by trapped waste or by gastrointestinal infection or swelling. Infection of the organ comes about quickly and fills it with pus, which may cause a life threatening rupture of the appendix.

What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

Understanding and recognizing the symptoms of appendicitis can help you get the care you need before your condition becomes severe and life-threatening. If you feel pain around your navel (especially when pressing gently on the area), have difficulty eating, experience a slight fever, vomiting, and nausea consult with your physician. These symptoms may indicate an infection of the appendix. Failing to see your physician at the first signs of appendicitis could result in a ruptured appendix which may lead to the infection of the lining of your abdominal cavity. Without early treatment, you may experience chills, fever, poor appetite, shaking, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

Doctors may use a variety of methods to diagnose appendicitis. Your doctor may give you a rectal exam to check for tenderness or apply gentle pressure to your lower right belly and check for muscle spasms or pain. Several kinds of tests can help your doctor diagnose appendicitis. These tests include blood test, urine test, abdominal CT scan, an ultrasound of the abdomen, and a diagnostic laparoscopy.

How is appendicitis treated?

If your doctor determines that you are suffering from appendicitis you will most likely be scheduled for surgery to remove your appendix. Depending on the severity of your condition you may have a laparoscopic appendectomy or an "open appendectomy". An open appendectomy may be required if the infection spread throughout the abdominal cavity. If your appendix is severely infected, an abscess may have formed. Should an abscess be present, your doctor may wish to drain the abscess and manage the infection before removing your appendix.

Stay informed, be aware

Keeping informed about your health is the key to developing awareness of your body. Awareness of your body is essential to recognizing the signs and symptoms of potentially life-threatening disorders and disease. Should you recognize symptoms in your body that are causing you distress, communicate your concerns with your physician. Prompt medical attention will ensure better treatment and recovery.

References

Smith, Richard. Man has appendix operation weeks after it's 'taken out'. Mirror.co.uk News. August 26, 2009. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/08/26/slice-of-bad-luck-115875-21624596/

Choi, Charles Q. The Appendix: Useful and in Fact Promising. LiveScience.com. August 24, 2009. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.yahoo.com%2Fs%2Flivescience%2F20090824%2Fsc_livescience%2Ftheappendixusefulandinfactpromising&ei=Efe4SsGyI8m8lAfS1KDKDg&usg=AFQjCNFX4nGyJUpJbTnlamddPWZo9EyY0Q&sig2=awIv046_8iR6mox-j_txiA

Appendicitis. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000256.htm

Mayo Clinic Staff. Appendicitis: Causes. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/appendicitis/DS00274/DSECTION=causes