Appendicitis Symptoms and Treatments

Appendicitis is defined as the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is the small finger shaped branch connected to the large intestine. The appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The function of the appendix is not known. Although it appears that the appendix has no use for the present day, scientists still speculate on the organs past functions.

Appendicitis affects people across all age, cultural, gender, and socio-economic barriers. Although anyone can be affected by appendicitis, the condition is not contagious.

There are many ways in which appendicitis can develop, although there is no obvious reason for it's onset. Appendicitis sometimes develops when partially digested food particles cause a blockage in the appendix. The appendix becomes inflamed as a result of the blockage and appendicitis further develops. Appendicitis sometimes develops after the large intestine becomes infected. The appendix is in close proximity to the large intestine and may be infected to due location.

Appendicitis is a condition with many symptoms which may vary in intensity from person to person. The first symptom of Appendicitis is usually an ache surrounding the belly button. Vomiting often follows the initial pain leading to sharp pain in the lower right abdominal quadrant. Some Appendicitis sufferers describe pain associated with Appendicitis as bad indigestion pains or stomach cramps. As Appendicitis progresses, the sufferer may lose his or her appetite and develop a slight fever.

Anytime Appendicitis is suspected, the health care provider will advise the sufferer to go the emergency room or office for an immediate evaluation. Once at the appropriate facility, the health care provider will perform a detailed physical examination to determine if Appendicitis is the culprit.

The health care provider often begins the physical examination by checking for tenderness in the abdomen paying especially close attention to pain in the lower right abdominal quadrant. This spot located in the lower right abdominal quadrant is called McBurney's point. People suffering form Appendicitis experience a sensation called rebound tenderness in and directly surrounding McBurney's point. Rebound tenderness is checked by applying direct pressure to McBurney's point. Relief is felt by the sufferer when McBurney's point is depressed. Pain is experienced when the applied pressure is lifted. Rebound tenderness is a classic sign of Appendicitis.

Blood samples may be taken to assess the white blood cell count. A high number of white blood cells present may be indicative of infection. X-rays and CT scans are often performed to further examine the abdomen.

If the health care provider makes a positive diagnosis of Appendicitis, the appendix will need to be removed. The removal of the appendix is called an appendectomy. Since there is no known use for the appendix, the Appendicitis sufferer will be able to lead a fully functioning life after appendix removal.

The appendectomy is performed under anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision to remove the appendix. A small scar will be visible after the appendectomy.

After an appendectomy, several days of follow and monitoring are done at the health care facility. Recovery times vary but most people are fully recovered in 3 weeks.