You may have heard about appendicitis, the inflammation of the appendix. While it is a common problem, the condition can become life-threatening quickly. It is also known as epityphlitis and is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain. In most cases, it requires surgery to prevent complications. A small percentage of people around the world, experience it in some of their life. Why does it become a serious condition? Without intervention the chances of the inflamed appendix bursting increases. It leads to the spilling of the bacteria into the abdominal cavity. So, it results in serious and at times fatal complications. Read ahead to know more about the symptoms, causes, and measures to take to avoid the condition from becoming life-threatening.
Appendicitis Symptoms
When you develop an inflamed appendix, it can trigger different symptoms in the body. Due to the condition, you can develop one or more symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- You develop pain in the upper abdomen or around the area of the bellybutton
- Indigestion
- Experience pain in the lower right side of the abdomen
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal swelling
- Inability to pass gas
- Constipation
- Suffer from a low-grade fever
When you develop inflammation of the appendix, it can start as mild cramping. As time progresses, it becomes steady and severe. The pain usually develops in the belly button or upper abdomen. Then, it moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. When you are constipated and suspect the presence of inflammation of the appendix, then you must refrain from taking laxatives or use an enema. Such treatments can lead to the bursting of the inflamed appendix. You need to see a doctor immediately when you experience tenderness on the right side of the abdomen along with other signs mentioned above. Medical attention is required for the condition as it can become a serious, life-threatening condition swiftly.
Types Of Appendicitis
Depending on the symptoms and the age group it affects, you can classify the condition into different types like:
Acute Appendicitis
Acute appendicitis refers to the sudden, but a severe case of appendicitis. You can develop the symptoms associated with the condition over one or two days. It needs immediate medical treatment. Without proper intervention, the inflammation causes the appendix to rupture. It can trigger serious and fatal complications. The acute form of the condition more common. So, most people suffering from the condition have this specific type of appendix inflammation.
Chronic Appendicitis
Chronic appendicitis is the condition occurring less commonly compared to acute inflammation of the appendix. In chronic cases of the condition, the affected person develops only mild symptoms. It disappears before reappearing again after a while. So, you will see the symptoms appearing and going away after weeks, months, or at times years. It is the type of inflammation affecting the appendix challenging to diagnose. So, your doctor cannot diagnose it properly until it develops into acute appendicitis. It is a dangerous condition that can lead to life-threatening complications.
Appendicitis In Kids
Do you know appendicitis can affect kids? Thousands of children develop the condition around the world. It is more common in people around the ages of fifteen and thirty. But, it can develop at any age. When children and teenagers develop the condition, they suffer from stomach ache near the navel. The pain escalates and becomes severe. As it becomes severe, the child experiences pain in the lower right side of the abdomen. When a child suffers from inflammation of the appendix, it can trigger other signs apart from pain like:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Develop a fever
- Nausea
When your child shows such symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Appendix inflammation in children is a serious issue requiring immediate medical attention. So, never ignore the symptoms.
Causes Of Appendicitis
In many cases, the exact cause of epityphlitis remains unclear. Most experts believe the condition develops as a result of partial obstruction or blocking of the appendix. Many things can block the appendix. It includes the following:
- Accumulation of hardened stool
- Presence of intestinal worms
- Enlarged lymphoid follicles
- Suffer a traumatic injury in the abdomen region
- Develop tumors
Due to the blocking of the appendix, the bacteria multiply inside it. So, this can result in swelling and formation of pus. It can lead to suffering from painful pressure in the abdomen region. But, you can feel abdominal pain due to other underlying health conditions. Therefore, it is important to detect the exact cause of the problem to get proper treatment and prevent complications.
Risk Factors Associated With Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix can develop in anyone. But, the condition is more likely to develop among the following group of people compared to others:
Age
Appendicitis can develop in young people. So, people between the ages of fifteen and thirty years can suffer from inflammation of the appendix.
Sex
According to data from around the world, the condition is common among men compared to women.
Family History Linked To Appendicitis
If you have a close family member suffering from inflammation of the appendix, then you face a high risk of developing it. So, people with a family history of the condition need to maintain caution.
Certain other factors like consuming a low-fiber diet also raise the risk of an inflamed appendix. But, these factors require more research to establish them conclusively.
Diagnostic Tests For Appendicitis
When you suffer from epityphlitis, it can trigger symptoms. When you see such uncomfortable signs, see a doctor immediately. Bursting of the appendix can lead to life-threatening complications. So, it is better to get medical advice. During the doctor’s appointment, you need to undergo the following tests:
Physical Exam
The doctor can perform a physical exam. The test involves checking the lower abdominal region. If you feel tenderness in the lower right part of the belly along with rigidity or swelling, then the doctor can suggest other tests. A single test may not offer clues regarding the conditions. So, you need to undergo two or more tests for checking the signs of infection of the appendix or other potential causes for suffering from the symptoms.
Complete Blood Count To Detect Appendicitis
When your doctor suspects an infection of the appendix, a complete blood count (CBC) can help reveal it. For completing the test, you need to provide the lab a sample of your blood. It is analyzed to detect the presence of infection. In the case of appendix infection, it resembles infections of the urinary tract or any other organ. But, detecting the presence of harmful bacteria in the blood along with other tests can indicate the actual problem.
Urine Tests To Rule Out Other Conditions
In some cases, urinary tract infection or the presence of kidney stones can trigger similar symptoms like infection of the appendix. So, the doctor can suggest urinalysis, also referred to as a urine test. For the test, you need to collect a sample of your urine. It is examined in the lab to eliminate other conditions.
Pregnancy Test
In women, ectopic pregnancy can cause the symptoms associated with infection of the appendix. Ectopic pregnancy refers to the condition developing due to the fertilized egg implanting in the Fallopian tube instead of the uterus. As the pregnancy progresses, the tube ruptures and causes internal bleeding. It is a medical emergency condition requiring immediate medical treatment. When you suffer from pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen, you need to take a pregnancy test. You can also submit a sample of blood or urine in the laboratory to detect pregnancy. Your doctor can also perform a transvaginal ultrasound to check the location of implantation (fertilized egg).
Pelvic Exam
If you are a woman, then pelvic inflammatory disease or conditions affecting the reproductive organs like an ovarian cyst can trigger symptoms similar to appendicitis. For ruling out the condition, the doctor performs a pelvic exam by examining the abdominal region. During the exam, the doctor visually inspects the reproductive organs like the vulva, vagina, and cervix. The doctor also manually inspects the ovaries and uterus. In some cases, the doctor extracts a sample of the tissue for testing.
Abdominal Imaging Tests To Detect Appendicitis
To detect the inflammation of the appendix, the doctor suggests imaging tests. The imaging test done on the abdomen will help uncover the exact reason triggering the symptoms. When you observe fecal impaction or abdominal abscess, then the doctor can conduct the following tests:
Abdominal Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging is the sophisticated and non-invasive diagnostic test used to check the presence of inflammation of the appendix. It uses sound waves to produce the pictures of the structures within the abdomen with clarity. Using the test, your doctor can detect the signs of inflammation, development of an abscess, or other problems affecting the appendix.
Abdominal X-Ray To Detect Appendicitis
An abdominal x-ray can help detect the presence of inflammation in the appendix. A specific x-ray technique known as KUB (Kidneys-Ureters-Bladder) offers a radiographic view to the doctors. It is usually used to visualize an appendicolith. So, it is suggested for patients who show symptoms consistent with epityphlitis.
Abdominal CT Scan To Detect Appendicitis
Sophisticated imaging tests like abdominal CT scans are suggested to patients showing symptoms linked to epityphlitis. While ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to develop the pictures of the internal organs, CT scan used radiation to detect problems with the appendix. Compared to ultrasound, CT scan aids in creating more detailed images of the internal organs. But, exposure to radiation during the CT can trigger side effects in certain people. So, the doctor can suggest other tests.
Abdominal MRI scan
The doctor can suggest a safer alternative compared to a CT scan to detect inflammation of the appendix. It offers a detailed view of the abdomen to detect the underlying causes of the pain.
Chest Imaging Tests
This test is usually suggested for ruling out inflammation of the appendix as the cause behind the symptoms you exhibit. The chest imaging test can detect pneumonia, which can trigger symptoms similar to epityphlitis. Pneumonia affecting the lower right lobe of your lungs can make you uncomfortable and trigger pain.
Some of the tests may require fasting for a while before you undergo them. You need to consult with the doctor to know how to prepare for these tests.
Medical Treatment Options Available For Appendicitis
In most cases, appendicitis requires invasive treatment. So, the doctor removes the inflamed appendix to prevent the risk of rupturing. But, simple cases may heal with antibiotics. Here are the treatment options available:
Intravenous Intake Of Antibiotics
Intravenous antibiotics can treat mild cases of appendix infection. So, getting the antibiotics alone will help manage the problem. But, if the condition does not improve, then the doctor watches closely to detect the need for surgery. Surgery is the only option available when the appendix ruptures.
Surgery To Remove Appendix
The doctor removes the appendix using an invasive procedure known as an appendectomy. You have two types of appendectomy:
Open Appendectomy For Appendicitis
An open appendectomy is performed by making a single abdominal incision. It is long as the incision measures two to four inches (five to ten centimeters) long. The surgery is suggested in cases where laparoscopic surgery becomes impossible. Also, the doctor suggests it for people who have ruptured their appendix and the infection spreads beyond the appendix. Open surgery is also selected when the patients have an abscess. Open surgery allows the surgeon to clean the abdominal cavity and flush out the bacteria. But, open surgery takes longer to heal. So, you have to stay in the hospital for some days after the procedure.
Laparoscopic Surgery For Appendicitis
To manage appendicitis, your doctor can also suggest laparoscopic surgery. It is performed by the surgeon by making a few small incisions on the abdomen. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts special and sophisticated surgical tools through the incisions. A video camera is also inserted through the incisions to remove the inflamed appendix. As the incisions are small, you recover faster without experiencing severe pain. Laparoscopic surgery, also reduces scarring. It is usually suggested for people with obesity and older adults.
Draining Abscess
If your appendix has ruptured, then it may form an abscess around it. So, before the surgeon performs surgery, the draining of the abscess takes place. It is performed by placing a tube through the skin directly into the abscess. The surgery is performed several weeks after draining and controlling the infection.
Managing Appendicitis During Pregnancy
A pregnant woman can suffer from acute appendicitis. It is the most common non-obstetric complication developing during pregnancy. The condition needs immediate surgery to avoid harm to the expectant mother and the developing baby. According to several studies, the inflammation of the appendix during pregnancy affects around 0.04 to 0.2% of women. Why is the condition dangerous? Most pregnant women mistake the symptoms of the condition for the routine signs during the pregnancy. It also becomes difficult to diagnose the problem as the appendix shifts upward in the abdomen as the pregnancy progresses. So, the location of pain triggered due to an inflamed appendix becomes hard to diagnose. You have the following treatment options to manage the condition:
- Invasive surgery to remove the appendix
- Drain the abscess using the needle drainage method or surgery
- Prescribe antibiotics
Delayed diagnosis of the inflamed appendix can put pregnant women at risk of several complications like loss of the baby. So, it is better to get medical assistance when you feel discomfort during pregnancy. See the gynecologist for detecting the cause of discomfort and get immediate treatment.
Recovery Time Needed For Appendicitis
When can you get back to the normal life after undergoing appendicitis treatment? The recovery time needed for an inflamed appendix depends on multiple factors like:
- Your overall health
- The complications you may or may not develop from the surgery
- The type of treatment you receive
People who have undergone laparoscopic surgery to remove the appendix can heal from it quickly. You will get discharged from the hospital after a few hours or the next day after the surgery. But, open surgery requires more time to recover. It is because of the invasive nature of the open surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery. So, open surgery requires more follow-up care. Before leaving the hospital, your healthcare provider offers a set of instructions to follow for quick healing. You need to follow the steps to care for your incision sites. To offer relief from pain and discomfort, the doctor prescribes antibiotics or pain relievers. Take them as suggested for supporting the recovery process. You must also take care of the following while you heal:
- Adjust your diet
- Make changes to daily habits to promote healing
- Avoid strenuous activities
You have to remain patient while you heal as it can take several weeks to recover from the surgery or the inflamed appendix. If you develop complications, then it takes a longer time to recover from the problem.
Potential Complications Of Appendicitis
Leaving appendix infection untreated can cause severe complications. It can lead to life-threatening complications. Here are some of the complications associated with the condition:
Leaking Of Bacteria
The infection of the appendix can result in the development of a pocket of pus. It is known as an abscess, which forms in the appendix. The abscess has a high risk of leaking pus and bacteria into the abdominal cavity.
Ruptured Appendix
Epityphlitis can lead to rupturing of the appendix. With the rupturing of the appendix, the fecal matter as well as the bacterial spills into the abdominal cavity.
Peritonitis
Due to appendix rupture, bacteria can spill into the abdominal cavity. It can reach the lining of the abdominal cavity. The harmful bacteria can cause infection and inflammation of the abdominal cavity lining. It is a serious problem requiring immediate medical attention. Without medical treatment, the condition can become fatal.
Infections Affecting Other Organs
When you suffer from the rupture of the appendix, the bacteria can travel to other organs of the abdomen. It can enter other organs like the colon or bladder and cause infection. When the bacteria travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, it increases the risk of infection.
Natural Remedies For Managing Appendicitis
You can prevent or manage the complications caused due to epityphlitis by getting medical help. The doctor can prescribe antibiotics, surgery, or other treatment options to deal with the problems. Such treatment options can trigger side effects or complications. Natural remedies can help manage such issues. But, you need to discuss the treatment options with your doctor before trying these remedies. In most cases, the risks associated with treatment like antibiotics and surgery are less serious compared to the potential complications of untreated epityphlitis.
Use Fenugreek To Treat Appendicitis
Fenugreek has properties to manage the distress caused by epityphlitis naturally. Using fenugreek prevents the formation of pus and mucus inside the appendix. So, it prevents pain triggered due to the accumulation of pus and mucus. To get relief, you need to take two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds. Put it in one liter of water and boil it for thirty minutes. Then, you need to strain it. Drink it twice daily to manage the condition.
Almond oil
Almond oil is an effective natural remedy for treating inflammation caused due to epityphlitis. You can use the oil for massaging purposes. When you are trying this method, first apply a hot compress on the abdominal region. Then, you need to soak a towel in the almond oil. Massage the oil thoroughly in the affected area. Repeat the step multiple times a day to ensure you see the difference. Do it regularly to get significant relief from inflammation and pain.
Ginseng To Manage Appendicitis
It is the natural herb used for centuries in traditional Chinese medication. It is well-known for its ability to manage pain caused by appendix inflammation. You need to drink ginseng tea at least twice a day. It will offer you some pain relief.
Vegetable juice
Vegetable juices like carrot juice, cucumber, and beetroot juice can work wonders in treating appendicitis pain for you. Drink this juice twice daily to get relief from appendix pain. You can also prepare a drink by combining radish, coriander, and spinach juice to get relief from the pain naturally.
Mint
Mint is also a useful home remedy for treating appendicitis. It helps in treating the symptoms of appendicitis like nausea, vomiting, and gas. You can prepare mint tea by boiling a few mint leaves in water and drinking it thrice daily. You could also chew some mint leaves to get relief from appendix pain.
Preventing Appendicitis
You have no sure method to prevent appendicitis. But, you can lower the risk of the problem by following a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the tips you need to follow when you are at risk of suffering from the problem:
Eat A Fiber-Rich Diet
Including a fiber-rich diet is beneficial in preventing epityphlitis. While the role of diet in developing the inflammation of the appendix remains unclear, the condition is not common in countries where people eat a high-fiber diet. So, you need to include food rich in fiber like:
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
- Beans, lentils, split peas, and other legumes
- Whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, oatmeal, and others
Eating a fiber-rich diet will make the digestion process smooth. If you are not getting enough fiber from the diet, then you need to take an external fiber supplement. Talk to your doctor regarding the fiber supplement and the right dose.
Foods To Avoid
While taking regarding the good diet to prevent the condition, you must know the foods to avoid. Such foods can increase the risk of developing epityphlitis:
- Processed food
- Aerated drinks
- Foods with high sugar
- High-fat foods
- Processed food
- Spicy or fried food
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Bakery items (Using refined flour)
Drink Water
You need to stay hydrated to ensure smooth bowel movement. Therefore, try to drink at least ten to twelve glasses of water.
Have Probiotics To Avoid Appendicitis
You can include foods containing probiotics to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or any infection. When you avoid infection from developing in the appendix, it eliminates the risk of suffering from epityphlitis. So, include buttermilk and yogurt containing probiotics, which will supply good bacteria to your gut.
Do Yoga
Yoga is beneficial for your physical and mental health. It can treat mental issues like stress. Yoga twists as well as different asanas can apply adequate pressure around the appendix. So, it will force the blockages to open. It also increases the circulation of fresh oxygenated blood into the appendix. It helps recover from any infection developing inside. At the early stages, performing yoga can exterminate the microorganism responsible for triggering inflammation.
You need to consult a doctor when you see the first symptoms associated with the condition. With medical attention at the right time, you can prevent complications.
Conclusion
When you suffer from appendicitis, take immediate action. Without medical intervention, it has high chances to rupture and cause severe complications. Simple inflammation of the appendix can heal with antibiotics. After getting treatment, you need to take preventive measures to avoid the problem. But, severe cases require surgery to remove the organ. After the removal of the appendix, you will never face the risk of facing the problem again. Your body can manage quite well without the appendix. So, you can live a normal life without any changes in your life.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/appendicitis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543#:~:text=Appendicitis%20occurs%20when%20the%20appendix,in%20your%20lower%20right%20abdomen.
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-appendicitis#1