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How to Prevent Appendicitis

2009-12-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

Many people want to know how to prevent appendicitis. Although there is no way to prevent appendicitis, people who are able to recognize appendicitis symptoms may be able to prevent more serious appendicitis symptoms from occurring.
There is no known way to prevent appendicitis. However, if you are able to recognize appendicitis symptoms, you can prevent serious appendicitis complications from occurring.

Common symptoms of appendicitis include:
* Pain in the abdomen, first around the belly button, then moving to the lower right area
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Inability to pass gas
* Low fever that begins after other symptoms
* Abdominal swelling.

Not everyone with appendicitis will have all of the symptoms, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Appendicitis After Care

2009-12-16T23:14:00.000-08:00

The usual stay in the hospital after an appendectomy for an uncomplicated appendicitis
is 1-3 days, depending on the age, other medical problems and physical condition of the patient. If the appendix is gangrenous or ruptured, the hospital stay may be 7 days or longer.

Movement- Right on the next day after the surgical intervention the patient is allowed to get up and slowly take a few steps through the hospital. Although it may seem like a torment for a just operated person, movement is essential for the resumption of the intestinal transit and will also prevent the occurrence of pneumonia by inhalation of digestive content.

Diet- To allow the digestive tract to rest after surgery, patients will not be given anything to eat or drink for the first 24 hours after an appendectomy. After that, they gradually will be given small amounts of water, then clear liquids, and then some solid foods, until finally they are able to handle a regular diet.

Medications- Patients usually are given a dose of antibiotic intravenously (into a vein) during surgery and the antibiotic is continued until the day after surgery. If the appendix ruptured, the patient will need to take antibiotics for a week or more.

Activity - Light activity at home is encouraged after surgery. The patient can expect to return to normal activities, such as showering, driving, walking up stairs, light lifting, and work within a few days. If he is taking narcotic medications for pain, he should not drive.

Perforated Appendicitis

2009-12-16T03:52:00.000-08:00

With traditional appendicitis the appendix becomes inflamed for whatever reason... (doctors suspect it's because of food or fecal obstruction or as a result of an infection). The appendix will keep growing with bacteria and pus-filled fluid until it bursts, provided that a person doesn't get it removed in time. Most cases of appendicitis will be in this form. However, there is a less common yet still serious form of appendicitis known as perforated appendicitis. With perforated appendicitis a hole forms in the inflamed appendix. Through this whole all of the contents that were in the appendix leaks out into the abdominal cavity. So, while perforated appendicitis doesn't actually result in an official appendix rupture, it can still produce the same results, since what was held within the appendix is being released out.

The symptoms of perforated appendicitis tend to be the same as regular appendicitis. This would include extreme abdominal pain and sometimes illness-related symptoms, such as a fever or nausea. However, there might be a bit of relief from abdominal pain as perforated appendicitis causes the appendix to drain. But it will only be for a very short period of time, as the drainage will cause more pain to erupt in the abdominal cavity. And this pain, (along with the infection itself), will not be treatable at home or even in a doctor's office. Emergency medical treatment is required to fully address perforated appendicitis.

Treatment for perforated appendicitis is two-fold. First, there's the issue of dealing with the drainage that has occurred because of the condition. The contents that have been released into the abdominal cavity must be completely drained, so a person doesn't develop a more serious abdominal infection. After that doctors have to decide what they are going to do with the perforated appendix itself. Most of the time surgeons will opt to remove the organ, since it was causing problems for the patient anyway. The removal process is pretty much the same as it would be for regular appendicitis, though there are some in the medical community that feel laparoscopic procedures, (a common surgical procedure for traditional appendicitis), might be too intense for sufferers of perforated appendicitis.

There is no known preventive measure for perforated appendicitis. All types of people can get the condition, regardless of their race, age or gender. However, it wouldn't hurt to eat in a nutritious manner, since many believe perforated appendicitis is the result of unresolved infection in the abdominal cavity. By eating a lot of vitamin C and antioxidants, a person makes their immune system strong enough that it can be in a better position to fight off things that could cause an infection. Again, this won't guarantee you won't get perforated appendicitis, but it could help at least a little bit.

In conclusion, perforated appendicitis is not as common as traditional appendicitis, but it should not be taken lightly. Sure, the appendix doesn't burst with perforated appendicitis, but it still functions in a lethal manner. If you have any major abdominal pain that does not go away after a few hours, consider taking a trip to the Emergency Room.

Causes of Appendicitis

2009-12-16T03:28:00.000-08:00

Maybe you've gone through an experience where a friend or a loved one has had to deal with appendicitis. You wonder why they got it over you. So, you may type 'causes of appendicitis' in your search engine to see if you can get more answers about the condition. But the articles that talk about the causes of appendicitis may not give you much hope. This is because the medical community only has theories concerning the causes of appendicitis, not cold hard facts. And although these theories tend to be very accurate, they are not factual enough to help form preventive measures to avoid the disease in the first place. Yet, it still doesn't hurt to be aware of these theories, which is what this article will present. Through this article you will learn about the several supposed causes of appendicitis including: food obstruction, fecal obstruction, worms, mucous, swollen lymph glands, tumors and infection.

Food Obstruction
Usually food passes by the appendix with no issue, (despite the medical community not knowing why food is in this area). But sometimes, (at least in theory), food can get stuck in the appendix, preventing it from draining as it normally does. The blockage causes undesirable elements to build up in the appendix, resulting in appendicitis.

Fecal Obstruction
Fecal obstruction is thought to be one of the main causes of appendicitis. Usually, the fecal matter is very hard, just like it can be with a bad bout of constipation. It is believed that eating a fiber high in fiber and making sure your bowels are healthy can help lessen this particular cause of appendicitis.

Worms
When it comes to the causes of appendicitis in Westernized cultures, worms tend to not be the culprit, but they are in Third World cultures. The worms block the passageways of the appendix, resulting in inflammation.

Mucous
Sometimes too much mucous can be produced in the appendix. The mucous binds the cells within the appendix resulting in blockage.

Swollen Lymph Glands
Lymph glands that are in the walls of the appendix can become swollen, resulting in a possible cause of appendicitis. This is because they block the entryway of the appendix, preventing proper drainage from happening. As far as why the lymph glands get swollen, it is usually in relation to infection, such as the common cold or the flu.

Tumors
Of the causes of appendicitis, tumor growth tends to be rare but does happen. When it occurs the victims are usually the elderly. The tumors can start from within the appendix itself or they could've metastasized from other areas of the body.

Infection
Infection is believed to be the second most common cause of appendicitis, right under fecal obstruction. What happens is the bacteria invades the appendix, resulting in an entourage of white blood cells trying to attack it. When things are functioning normally, the white blood cells will win, and any by products produced will get drained out. But when they lose, they will die, resulting in a mixture of pus and the bacteria, which has grown even stronger.

Appendicitis Recovery

2009-12-16T03:25:00.000-08:00

You're part of the 7 percent of the population that was unfortunate enough to get appendicitis. Yet, if you went to the doctor in time consider yourself lucky, since the condition can be lethal if it's allowed to worsen. However, you may have some concerns when it comes to appendicitis recovery. And while appendicitis recovery won't take too long, it will take long enough that you will want to consider taking time off until you get yourself back together.

In regards to the hospital stay related to appendicitis recovery, don't expect to stay too long unless you are suffering complications. The average appendicitis sufferer will only stay 1 to 3 days in the hospital after their appendix has been removed. However, just because the hospital releases you soon doesn't mean that you shouldn't give extra time for appendicitis recovery. In fact, full appendicitis recovery will take at least 2 weeks, if a person had a laparoscopic procedure. If they had traditional surgery, appendicitis recovery will take 3 weeks.

So, what's the best way to take care of yourself during appendicitis recovery? First, you will want to take things easy and get a lot of bed rest. Don't stay in the bed 24-hours, as this is not healthy either, but remember you still had a major operation. When you are up and about, you will want to check your incisions to see if they have gotten infected. If there is any soreness, pus or swelling in the area, you will want to call your doctor as soon as possible.

In terms of eating, you should be able to eat healthy solid foods even during appendicitis recovery. However, the keyword is healthy. Avoid alcohol and any other foods that can be strenuous on your digestive system. While your appendix is gone, there are tissues around it that can still get inflamed, particularly during appendicitis recovery, where they are in a much more sensitive state. You will want to make sure your digestive system is being properly flushed with a high-fiber diet and lots of water.

Once you have undergone complete appendicitis recovery, the life of your digestive system should return back to normal. You do not need an appendix to be healthy. In fact, the medical community is still pondering why the organ is there in the first place. And, by the fact that it is now gone from your body, you pretty much don't have to worry about appendicitis returning.

In conclusion, appendicitis recovery will take a little while but it is not forever. Don't try to rush things because you are anxious to go back to work. Appendicitis recovery should be covered by whatever sick time you have available. And if your job isn't understanding... well, your health has got to come before your employment. You don't want to try to force yourself back to work when you haven't underwent a full appendicitis recovery. Your body is still in a sensitive state due to being physically operated on and having suffered an illness that could've killed you. Take a break and try not to worry about the consequences. There are millions of jobs out there, you only have just one life.

Appendicitis Symptoms

2009-12-16T03:20:00.000-08:00

Appendicitis is a disease in which the appendix, (an organ that currently has no known purpose in the medical community), becomes inflamed due to infection that has attacked it. This inflammation is filled with pus, as white blood cells fervently try to attack whatever is causing the infection. The result are appendicitis symptoms which are official indicators to both the appendicitis sufferer and their families that something is going wrong with their digestive system. It is important to take heed when the appendicitis symptoms appear, as appendicitis is an emergency medical condition. This article will explain some of the most common appendicitis symptoms so appendicitis sufferers and their loved ones won't be left in the dark should an appendicitis attack occur.

Abdominal Pain
Of the appendicitis symptoms that one can experience, abdominal pain is the one that is the most poignant indicator of appendicitis. The pain starts in the navel area. It then moves into the lower right-hand corner of the sufferer's abdomen. This appendicitis symptom will become worse as the disease progresses. The pain then settles in an area that is near the appendix. This area is called the McBurney point. It located at the top of the right side of one's pelvic bone.

Fever and Other Symptoms of Illness
Appendicitis symptoms can mimic some of the symptoms associated with less serious illnesses, such as a bad flu. Basically, these appendicitis symptoms include: a low-grade fever, loss of appetite and malaise. However, one will know that these things are indicative of appendicitis symptoms because abdominal pain will accompany them.

Bowel Problems
Appendicitis symptoms can also affect a person's bowel habits. Appendicitis can cause a person to have excessive diarrhea, constipation and an inability to pass gas.

Abdominal Swelling
Finally, there's the appendicitis symptom of abdominal swelling. Although the swelling may not be visible to outsiders, it could be large enough to make a person feel as if something is in their stomach.

If any of the above-mentioned appendicitis symptoms apply to yourself or a loved one, go to an Emergency Room immediately. If it is determined that you have appendicitis, doctors will remove the appendix immediately. Don't worry about possible complications of such an operation. While all operations carry some risks, without appendix removal, appendicitis can be lethal. Besides, since researchers have not yet discovered the purpose of the appendix, your body won't miss it once it's removed.

Not taking such measures could result in the appendix bursting, a condition which releases the infection into the abdominal cavity. This can develop further into peritonitis, which is an infection of the abdomen that causes the body to grow an abscess in that region. Either, way a ruptured appendix is a condition you do not want to be dealing with. Granted, if it does happen doctors can try and control it, but you don't want to wait around for such things. Instead, go to the doctor when you notice the earlier appendicitis symptoms. Doing so makes things tremendously easier for the appendicitis sufferer.

Appendicitis Surgery

2009-12-16T03:12:00.000-08:00

If your appendicitis is like most people's, you will need to get appendicitis surgery to fix it. What is appendicitis surgery? Appendicitis surgery, (also known as an appendectomy), is when the appendix is completely removed. It is the most common treatment for acute appendicitis, the form of the disease in which an appendix is at risk for bursting due to rapid inflammation. This inflammation can be caused by infection or an obstruction in the organ.

Two types of appendicitis surgery are performed. The first type of appendicitis surgery is no different than any other open surgery. The doctor removes the appendix through an abdominal incision. While this type of appendicitis surgery may seem to be a lot easier, it can actually result in more scarring. Additionally, this form of appendicitis surgery may take a longer time to heal. So, to try and avoid these problems doctors may decide to use the second type of appendicitis surgery, which is known as a laparoscopy.

How does a laparoscopic appendicitis surgery work? Basically, the doctor starts by making several small abdominal incisions. Then he or she will insert a laparoscope into the area. This is a tube-shaped device that has a video camera on the end. The video camera allows the surgeon to see what your abdomen looks like from the inside. The picture is displayed on a video monitor that is close by. Using the video as a guide, the doctor continues the laparoscopic appendicitis surgery by removing the appendix with several sets of small instruments.

It should be noted that while laparoscopic appendicitis surgery tends to be the preferred form of treatment for acute appendicitis, sometimes the condition is too intense to allow for this type of surgery. Why? Well, if the appendix has burst, laparoscopic appendicitis surgery will not be extreme enough to remove all of the bacteria and/or abscesses. So, doctors may have to instead use regular surgical intervention. By doing things this way doctors can work through a bigger incision, allowing them to fully clean the abdominal cavity.

Sometimes after either type of appendicitis surgery, there can be complications. These complications can involve a person still having appendicitis symptoms. This happens because the structures around the removed appendix are still inflamed. There may also be another abscess that is hidden somewhere. Either way, the patient is given antibiotics to try and cure any ongoing infections they may have. Doctors will also try to locate any possible abscesses and subsequently drain them.

In conclusion, if you have acute appendicitis, you will probably have to undergo appendicitis surgery. On the other hand, if you're one of the rare people to get chronic appendicitis, your treatment will involve antibiotics. Regardless, just make sure you go to the doctor when the appendicitis symptoms strike. Appendicitis, whether acute or chronic will not go away without appendicitis surgery or antibiotics. This is why it is essential to get medical help as soon as possible when you are suffering with either form of the disease.

Appendicitis Signs

2009-12-16T03:09:00.000-08:00

Appendicitis signs strike suddenly without warning. Appendicitis signs can affect a person of any age, though it tends to affect people between the ages of 10 and 30. Either way, when appendicitis signs make their appearance, a person needs to get emergency medical care as soon as possible. This is because when appendicitis signs get ignored, there's the possibility that the appendicitis gets worse. When appendicitis gets worse the result could be a ruptured appendix, a condition that can be lethal.

What are the most common appendicitis signs? The most primary involve centralized pain in the abdominal area. This pain starts in the lower right hand corner of the abdomen and spreads to the McBurney point, which is the area right above the right side of the pubic bone. In fact, it is the location of the pain that distinguishes appendicitis pain from abdominal pain associated with less serious illnesses. Additionally, at least as an appendicitis sign, abdominal pain tends to be very severe. It cannot be easily relieved and may hurt even more if a person just moves around.

There are other appendicitis signs, but they are not always visible when appendicitis strikes. These appendicitis signs can make a person feel physically ill. Examples of such signs include fever, nausea, fatigue and vomiting. But there are also appendicitis signs that may show that the digestive system isn't working properly. Examples could include diarrhea, inability to pass gas and constipation.

So, what causes appendicitis signs in the first place? The overall reason for appendicitis signs is because the appendix is failing due to excessive inflammation. The reason for the inflammation is not always clear, but most in the medical community theorize it relates to an obstruction or an infection in the area. Appendicitis signs will not lessen unless treatment is given or the appendix bursts. And in the case of the latter, the burst appendix will only provide temporary relief of appendicitis pain. As the contents of the appendix spread throughout the digestive system, a person may experience more pain and sickness. And if this situation is not addressed in time, it is possible that they could die. Indeed, loved ones do not want to wait until appendicitis has gotten to such a point. Even when a person does go to the doctor after a burst appendix, the treatment is a lot more difficult. The key is getting to the doctor early, when the appendicitis signs first make their appearance.

In conclusion, while it might be tempting to ignore appendicitis signs, doing so could put a person's life in danger. Even if what a person is going through aren't true appendicitis signs, they should still get medical attention because something is obviously going wrong with their digestive system. True, there are plenty of benign conditions that can mimic appendicitis symptoms, but there are also more serious ones, (such as ectopic pregnancy), that can mimic them as well. You won't truly know until you get a professional examination, testing and screening.

Appendicitis Pain

2009-12-16T03:05:00.000-08:00

One of the first signs of appendicitis is appendicitis pain. In fact, for many appendicitis situations, appendicitis pain may be the only indicator a person has that something is wrong. And yet, abdominal pain is not exclusive to just appendicitis. Many people may mistake their appendicitis pain for a very bad bout of gas. Yet, if appendicitis pain is overlooked, a person could put themselves at risk for serious complications of the disease. That's why this article was created. Through this article you will learn what separates appendicitis pain from the types of abdominal pain associated with other conditions. Of course, don't use just this article to determine if the abdominal pain a person is having is really appendicitis pain. You won't know 100% for sure until you get that person medically evaluated. Anyway, the factors that make abdominal pain exclusive to appendicitis are outlined below.

Location
Appendicitis pain starts in the naval area then progresses to the lower right side of the abdomen. This area is known as the McBurney point and it is near where the appendix is located. The specific location of the McBurney point is at the topmost portion of the right side of one's pelvic bone. It should be noted that while the McBurney point is near the appendix, the pain is not in the exact location of where the appendix is.

Sharpness
Appendicitis pain tends to be more severe than the abdominal pain associated with less serious illnesses. Appendicitis pain worsens as the inflammation causes the tissues around the appendix to also become affected. As far as how the pain feels, this will depend on a person's experience with abdominal pain. Most people compare appendicitis pain with bad gas, but this may be the only description they can give because they haven't experienced different types of abdominal pain. Women who have had babies may liken appendicitis pain to contractions, which is also like gas pains but very extreme.

Cannot Easily be Relieved
Appendicitis pain cannot be relieved. For example, over-the-counter pain killers won't do anything since the underlying cause of the appendicitis pain has not been addressed. Not moving will also be futile, since again the source of the appendicitis pain has not been taken care of. The only way appendicitis pain can be relieved is if a person gets medical intervention. This involves surgical removal of the appendix. And even then the pain not immediately go away, but this is only because the surrounding structures may still have inflammation. Antibiotics will take care of that problem.

Possibly Accompanied by Other Symptoms
Finally, appendicitis pain may have other symptoms to accompany it. These symptoms may make a person feel like they are suffering an illness. They include: fever, nausea, vomiting and malaise. Sometimes a person may also have bowel problems, such as constipation, diarrhea or an inability to pass gas. Of course, these symptoms do not always accompany appendicitis pain, so don't be on the lookout for them thinking you need more exclusive signs that a person is suffering from appendicitis. Many people may get appendicitis pain as their only symptom.

Appendicitis In Children

2009-12-16T03:01:00.000-08:00

The 80's television show, Rosanne, was one of the few if only sitcoms to bring to light the phenomenon of appendicitis in children. Darlene, Rosanne's middle child, had become inflicted with appendicitis while playing baseball at school. She was rushed to the hospital, and was in a very critical situation. She survived the situation, but that doesn't lessen how serious appendicitis children is. In fact, one of the main points of the episode was to showcase how devastating appendicitis in children can be, whether it's for the child themselves or their parents.

So, when it comes to appendicitis in children, what should parents be aware of? Well, first they need to know the general symptoms of appendicitis. By having this knowledge, they will know whether or not they need to take their child to the Emergency Room. What are these symptoms? The most common one is pain in the lower right side of the abdomen. This may be accompanied with other symptoms such as: nausea, a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and an inability to pass gas. However, when it comes to appendicitis in children, many kids may not have the secondary symptoms. Or, if they have them it's only one or two... not all in one bunch. Yet, all cases of appendicitis in children will involve pain in the stomach region.

The ages of children affected by appendicitis usually range from age 10 onward. However, any child can get appendicitis. In fact, if a child under 4 gets the condition, they are more likely to suffer a ruptured appendix. This is when appendicitis gets so bad the inflammation causes the organ to burst, releasing dangerous toxins in the abdominal cavity. This is a life-threatening situation that is even worse on a child who's immune system isn't as developed as a teenager or an adult. Of course, a ruptured appendix is dangerous for them too, but they might be able to hold out a little longer. So, make sure to play it safe. If your child complains of a tummy ache, take them to the doctor as soon as possible and let them know that you are concerned about whether or not your child might be suffering from appendicitis. While doctors are concerned about the possibility of misdiagnosis, in most cases the risk of a misdiagnosis is a lot better than waiting around.

As far as treatment, appendicitis in children is dealt with in the same manner as adult appendicitis. Basically, doctors perform immediate surgery to remove the appendix. If the appendix has ruptured, the surgery is done to try and drain the abdominal cavity, though sometimes antibiotics may help resolve any infections that might have occurred due to the rupture. The child will be watched closely for any complications. If they still exhibit appendicitis symptoms, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. Why is this done instead of additional surgery? Well, when there are appendicitis symptoms even after the appendix has been removed, usually the underlying cause are the structures around the appendix, (which are not removable). They become inflamed, making a child still feel like they have the disease. But such things happen to your child don't worry, as the antibiotics will get these structures back to normal.

Appendicitis Children

2009-12-16T02:52:00.000-08:00

Appendicitis children seem no different than children who do not get the disease. Yet, appendicitis children are different because they have suffered through a very serious illness. Appendicitis children first have to experience a lot of pain in their abdominal area. They may also have flu-like symptoms. And, if appendicitis children don't have their appendix removed in time, they could die as the appendix ruptures and releases harmful byproducts into the abdominal region. The average child won't go through such difficulty, though the medical community has not yet determined what can fully prevent appendicitis from happening in any one, whether a child or an adult.

Yet, despite the fact that any child can be inflicted with appendicitis, there are certain groups that seem to be more prone to getting the disease. For example, boys are more common among appendicitis children than girls. Appendicitis children also tend to be between the ages of 6 to 18. However, it should be noted that when appendicitis children are less than 4 the condition can become lethal relatively quickly. This is because there's a greater chance of the organ bursting when a child is this age.

Appendicitis children will all have the same symptom when their disease initially erupts. This is extreme pain in the abdominal area. The pain radiates into the area above the right side portion of the pubic bone. This is very close to where the actual appendix is located. Sometimes appendicitis children may also have flu-like symptoms accompany their pain, though this doesn't always happen. In fact, some websites discussing the phenomenon of appendicitis in children have even gone so far as to say sickness isn't as common with pediatric forms of the disease.

Either way, if your child exhibits any symptoms of appendicitis it is important to get them medical care as soon as possible. Appendicitis children, like other appendicitis victims, must have medical intervention to relieve them of their symptoms. Home remedies will not do the trick, as most of the time the appendix itself will have to be removed. And if the appendix does burst, surgery may have to be done to clear the abdominal cavity of the dangerous fluids that have been released.

As far as the overall health of appendicitis children, things will be fine after they get treated. Granted, sometimes there are complications to appendicitis surgeries, but usually they go on without any problems. Appendicitis children do not have to worry about being prone to any more digestive problems, at least not more than what the average person would have to be concerned about. They also do not wonder how their bodies will operated without the appendix, as the medical community has deemed it a useless organ. People have lived long and healthy lives without their appendix, so it's not essential that it stays there, even if its official function is discovered.

In conclusion, appendicitis children are like any other child except they have had to deal with a horrible medical experience. But perhaps in a way it can be good for them... like adults they can appreciate their health a lot more and be thankful that they got another chance at life. Of course, such 'lessons' will be understood better by children who are older. Younger children will just be glad their tummies have stopped hurting.

Acute Appendicitis

2009-12-16T02:49:00.000-08:00

Acute appendicitis is a serious disease that affects around 7 percent of the population. But don't think that because the number of acute appendicitis is relatively low that you can't get the disease. Anyone between the ages of 10 and 30 can get acute appendicitis. To make matters worse, the medical community doesn't fully know what causes appendicitis. Some people will get acute appendicitis because of an obstruction of food or fecal matter, others may get it in response to an infection. Either way, when acute appendicitis happens, a person must get prompt medical treatment as the condition is life-threatening.

So, why is acute appendicitis so dangerous if the appendix itself is a 'useless' organ, (at least in the minds of medical researchers)? Well, acute appendicitis is not dangerous because of the appendix malfunctioning, at least initially. Once the appendix is removed, a person can live a healthy life without it. What causes problems is if the appendix bursts due to the disease getting worse. When this happens all of the harmful contents that were contained within the appendix gets released into the abdominal area. This results in an infection which can be deadly if not treated with antibiotics.

Fortunately, as long as a person is sent to the doctor in time, acute appendicitis can be cured, though the sufferer will have to undergo surgery to get their appendix removed. This process... may result in a lot of pain, though painkillers can be given to ease the discomfort. But other than that, a person should not have to worry about any further repercussions from not having an appendix. In fact, with the appendix gone they get assurance that they will never have to worry about acute appendicitis again.

And yet, if there was a way to avoid having to suffer the condition in the first place, taking the necessary preventative measures would be a lot easier than having to go through surgery. There is just one problem with this thought process... the medical community does not know how a person can prevent getting appendicitis. Some evidence suggests that eating a healthy high-fiber diet will help flush the appendix, (along with preventing build-up of fecal matter), but such things cannot guarantee a person won't get acute appendicitis. Yet, shouldn't a person be eating in this manner anyway? True, it won't 100% prevent an acute appendicitis attack, but it could make you less prone to one. Besides eating healthy helps prevent other problems.

In conclusion, acute appendicitis is a mysterious disease surrounding a mysterious organ. But, despite the uncertainty, the medical community pretty much has things under control when it comes to treating the condition. Of course, this is only if the person is sent to the Emergency Room once the symptoms start. These symptoms include excruciating abdominal pain that won't go away, a fever and bowel problems. Granted, many people may think these symptoms are indicative of stomach bug, but if they were they would go away very quickly. With acute appendicitis the symptoms persist until the person gets the treatment they need.

Chronic Appendicitis

2009-12-16T02:28:00.000-08:00

Many people may not have even heard of chronic appendicitis, as its counterpart, acute appendicitis is much more common. However, chronic appendicitis does happen. And when it occurs, it can be just as serious as acute appendicitis. There is just one problem. Since chronic appendicitis progresses at a much slower rate than acute appendicitis, a person may not be compelled to the doctor until it's too late. This is why a person needs to be aware of the symptoms of chronic appendicitis, so if they have them they can get checked out before the disease takes their life.

What are the symptoms of chronic appendicitis? They are similar to the symptoms of acute appendicitis, only they are much milder. These symptoms include: stomach pain, fever, nausea and fatigue. All of this is due to an inflamed appendix, which may be blocked with pus, infection or even fecal matter. Either way, if a person is suffering from chronic appendicitis, the inflammation is not as extreme at least initially. Yet, it still builds up over time. This can result in the infection spreading to other areas of the body, even if the appendix itself doesn't burst, (which is a complication that can happen with acute appendicitis).

Treatment of chronic appendicitis usually doesn't involve surgical removal of the appendix, despite such measures being common for the acute form of the disease. Instead, doctors prescribe powerful antibiotics to help fight the infection. Yet, one dose of antibiotics won't do the trick, since chronic appendicitis can be somewhat tough to treat. Sufferers of chronic appendicitis may have to take the drugs over time to help beat their disease. Of course, if there is a threat that the chronic appendicitis may actually make the appendix burst, doctors will probably opt for its removal.

Nothing can be done to prevent chronic appendicitis. There are theories that a healthy diet help cleanse the appendix, lessening one's chances of getting the disease. Yet, don't think because you eat well that you can't become a chronic appendicitis victim. The main key is listening to your body. While the symptoms associated with chronic appendicitis are not as serious as acute appendicitis, they are problematic enough to indicate that something is going on wrong with your body. At best you could just be experiencing a stomach virus or a bad flu, but keep in mind that these conditions shouldn't last longer than a week. With chronic appendicitis the symptoms last for months until a person gets treated or worse... the infection gets so severe it ends up killing them.

In conclusion, don't think the long-term nature of chronic appendicitis makes it a safer condition than acute appendicitis. The only real difference is that chronic appendicitis will just take longer to do lethal damage. Don't let things progress to that point. If you have any of the above-mentioned chronic appendicitis symptoms for over a week, go to the doctor and discuss your concerns. It is a lot better to go to the doctor and not really 'need' the checkup than to wait until things have gotten so bad that you need to go to the Emergency Room.

Appendicitis Glossary of Terms

2009-12-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

Abdomen: The belly , that part of the body that contains all of the structures between the chest and the pelvis . The abdomen is separated anatomically from the chest by the diaphragm , the powerful muscle spanning the body cavity below the lungs .

Abdominal: Relating to the abdomen, the belly , that part of the body that contains all of the structures between the chest and the pelvis . The abdomen is separated anatomically from the chest by the diaphragm , the powerful muscle spanning the body cavity below the lungs .

Abdominal pain: Pain in the belly (the abdomen). Abdominal pain can come from conditions affecting a variety of organs. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs above, the pelvic bone (pubic ramus) below, and the flanks on each side. Although abdominal pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (the skin and abdominal wall muscles), the term abdominal pain generally is used to describe pain originating from organs within the abdominal cavity (from beneath the skin and muscles). These organs include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Abnormal: Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer ).

Abscess: A local accumulation of pus anywhere in the body. The following are some examples of abscesses:
1. A skin abscess is better known as a common boil;
2. A peritonsillar abscess is a persistent collection of pus behind the tonsils; and
3. A perianal abscess is a pool of pus that forms next to the anus, often causing considerable tenderness and swelling in that area and pain on sitting down and on defecating.

Adjacent: Lying nearby. Related terms include superjacent, subjacent, and circumjacent. From ad-, near + the Latin jacere, to lie = to lie near.

Anesthetic: A substance that causes lack of feeling or awareness. A local anesthetic causes loss of feeling in a part of the body. A general anesthetic puts the person to sleep.

Antibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. Originally, an antibiotic was a substance produced by one microorganism that selectively inhibits the growth of another. Synthetic antibiotics, usually chemically related to natural antibiotics, have since been produced that accomplish comparable tasks.

Anus: The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body.

Appendectomy: Removal by surgery of the appendix, the small worm-like appendage of the colon (the large bowel). An appendectomy is performed because of probable appendicitis , inflammation of the wall of the appendix generally associated with infection.

Appendiceal: Relating to the appendix. As, for example, an appendiceal abscess. Perforation of the appendix can lead to a periappendiceal abscess or diffuse peritonitis (infection of the entire lining of the abdomen and the pelvis).

Appendiceal perforation: Rupture of appendix.

Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix , the small worm-like projection from the first part of the colon . Appendicitis usually involves infection of the appendix by bacteria that invade it and infect the wall of the appendix. Appendicitis can progress to produce an abscess (a pocket of pus) and even peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen and pelvis).

Appendix: A small outpouching from the beginning of the large intestine (the ascending colon ). Formally called the vermiform appendix because it was thought to be wormlike.

Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms which can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent upon another organism for life).

Barium: 1. A metallic element belonging to the alkaline earths with an atomic number of 56 and an atomic weight of 137.34. The symbol for barium is Ba.
2. In medicine, refers to a chalky solution of barium used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray.

Barium enema: A series of x-rays of the lower intestine ( colon ) and rectum that are taken after the patient is given an enema with a white, chalky solution that contains barium. The barium outlines the intestines on the x-rays. These x-rays permit the detection of colon and rectal abnormalities including diverticulosis , diverticulitis , abnormal colon movement, dilation (widening) of the colon, polyps and cancers of the colon and rectum.

Belly: That part of the body that contains all of the structures between the chest and the pelvis. Also called the abdomen.

Belly button: The navel or umbilicus. The one-time site of attachment of the umbilical cord. The term "belly button" was coined around 1877.

Bladder: Any pouch or other flexible enclosure that can hold liquids or gases but usually refers to the hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine -- the urinary bladder. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and produce urine, which enters the bladder through two tubes called ureters. Urine leaves the bladder through another tube, the urethra . In women, the urethra is a short tube that opens just in front of the vagina . In men, it is longer, passing through the prostate gland and then the penis . Infection of the bladder is called cystitis .

Blood: The familiar red fluid in the body that contains white and red blood cells, platelets, proteins, and other elements. The blood is transported throughout the body by the circulatory system. Blood functions in two directions: arterial and venous. Arterial blood is the means by which oxygen and nutrients are transported to tissues while venous blood is the means by which carbon dioxide and metabolic by-products are transported to the lungs and kidneys, respectively, for removal from the body.

Bone: Bone is the substance that forms the skeleton of the body. It is composed chiefly of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate . It also serves as a storage area for calcium, playing a large role in calcium balance in the blood.

Cancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, to metastasize (spread).

Cecum: The cecum (also spelled caecum), the first portion of the large bowel, situated in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

Cell: The basic structural and functional unit in people and all living things. Each cell is a small container of chemicals and water wrapped in a membrane .

Colon: The part of the large intestine that runs from the cecum to the rectum as a long hollow tube that serves to remove water from digested food and let the remaining material, solid waste called stool , move through it to the rectum and leave the body through the anus . .

Complication: In medicine, an additional problem that arises following a procedure, treatment or illness and is secondary to it. A complication complicates the situation.

Condition: The term "condition" has a number of biomedical meanings including the following:
1. An unhealthy state, such as in "this is a progressive condition."
2. A state of fitness, such as "getting into condition."
3. Something that is essential to the occurrence of something else; essentially a "precondition."
4. As a verb: to cause a change in something so that a response that was previously associated with a certain stimulus becomes associated with another stimulus; to condition a person, as in behavioral conditioning.

Crohn's disease : A chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can affect other parts of the digestive system as well. It is named for Burrill Crohn, the American gastroenterologist who first described the disease in 1932.

CT scan: Computerized tomography scan. Pictures of structures within the body created by a computer that takes the data from multiple X-ray images and turns them into pictures on a screen. CT stands for computerized tomography.

Cysts: Cysts are abnormal, closed sac-like structures within a tissue that contain a liquid, gaseous, or semisolid substance. Cysts can occur anywhere in the body and can vary in size. The outer, or capsular, portion of a cyst is termed the cyst wall.

Diagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease ; the identification of an illness. 2 A conclusion or decision reached by diagnosis. The diagnosis is rabies . 3 The identification of any problem. The diagnosis was a plugged IV.

Disease: Illness or sickness often characterized by typical patient problems (symptoms) and physical findings (signs). Disruption sequence: The events that occur when a fetus that is developing normally is subjected to a destructive agent such as the rubella (German measles) virus.

Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula (small outpouchings) along the wall of the colon, the large intestine. (One outpouching is a diverticulum; two or more are diverticula).

Diverticulum: A small bulging sac pushing outward from the colon wall is a diverticulum. As a person ages, pressure within the large intestine (colon) causes pockets of tissue (sacs) that push out from the colon walls. The plural is diverticula. Diverticula can occur throughout the colon but are most common near the end of the left side of the colon, the sigmoid colon.

Drain: A device for removing fluid from a cavity or wound. A drain is typically a tube or wick.

Duodenal: Pertaining to the duodenum, part of the small intestine. As in duodenal ulcer or duodenal biliary drainage.

Duodenal ulcer: An ulcer (a hole in the lining) of the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Ulcers can affect the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Their formation is related to H. pyloridus bacteria in the stomach, anti-inflammatory medications, and smoking cigarettes. Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration. Diagnosis is made with barium x-ray or endoscopy. Complications of ulcers include bleeding, perforation, and blockage of the stomach (gastric obstruction). Treatment involves antibiotics to eradicate H. pyloridus, eliminating risk factors, and preventing complications.

Esophagus: The tube that connects the pharynx (throat) with the stomach. The esophagus lies between the trachea (windpipe) and the spine. It passes down the neck, pierces the diaphragm just to the left of the midline, and joins the cardiac (upper) end of the stomach. In an adult, the esophagus is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and facilitates swallowing. Also known as the gullet or swallowing tube. From the Greek oisophagos, from oisein meaning to bear or carry + phagein, to eat.

Fallopian tube: One of the two Fallopian tubes that transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus (the womb). In the diagram, the Fallopian tubes are not labeled but are well shown running between the uterus and ovaries.

Fecalith: A hard stony mass of feces. A fecalith can obstruct the appendix, leading to appendicitis . Fecaliths also can obstruct diverticuli. Called also a coprolith and stercolith. From fecal + -lith for stone.

Fever : Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees C.), in practice a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C.).
See the entire definition of Fever

Gallbladder: A pear-shaped organ just below the liver that stores the bile secreted by the liver. During a fatty meal, the gallbladder contracts, delivering the bile through the bile ducts into the intestines to help with digestion. Abnormal composition of bile leads to formation of gallstones, a process termed cholelithiasis. The gallstones cause cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder.

Health: As officially defined by the World Health Organization, a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Hospital: It may seem unnecessary to define a "hospital" since everyone knows the nature of a hospital. A hospital began as a charitable institution for the needy, aged, infirm, or young.
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Immune: Protected against infection. The Latin immunis means free, exempt.

Immune system: A complex system that is responsible for distinguishing us from everything foreign to us, and for protecting us against infections and foreign substances. The immune system works to seek and kill invaders.
See the entire definition of Immune system

Incision: A cut. When making an incision, a surgeon is making a cut.

Indicate: In medicine, to make a treatment or procedure advisable because of a particular condition or circumstance. For example, certain medications are indicated for the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy while others are contraindicated.

Infection: The growth of a parasitic organism within the body. (A parasitic organism is one that lives on or in another organism and draws its nourishment therefrom.) A person with an infection has another organism (a "germ") growing within him, drawing its nourishment from the person.

Inflammation: A basic way in which the body reacts to infection , irritation or other injury, the key feature being redness, warmth, swelling and pain . Inflammation is now recognized as a type of nonspecific immune response .

Intestinal obstruction: Blockage of the intestine by infolding (intussusception), malformation, tumor, digestive problems, a foreign body, or inflammation. Symptoms can include crampy abdominal pain, lack of ability to eliminate normal feces, and eventually shock. On examining the abdomen, the doctor may feel a mass. Abdominal X-rays may suggest intestinal obstruction, but a barium enema may be needed to show the actual cause. Treatment depends on the cause of the obstruction. See also: Intussusception.

Intestine: The long, tubelike organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. It consists of the small and large intestines.

Kidney: One of a pair of organs located in the right and left side of the abdomen which clear "poisons" from the blood, regulate acid concentration and maintain water balance in the body by excreting urine. The kidneys are part of the urinary tract. The urine then passes through connecting tubes called "ureters" into the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it is released during urination.

Laparoscope: An instrument through which structures within the abdomen and pelvis can be seen. A small surgical incision (cut) is made in the abdominal wall to permit the laparoscope to enter the abdomen or pelvis. A diversity of tubes can be pushed through the same incision or other small incisions permitting the introduction of probes and other instruments. In this way, a number of surgical procedures can be performed without the need for a large surgical incision.

Laparoscopic: 1. Pertaining to the procedure of laparoscopy .
2. Pertaining to a laparoscope , the instrument by which laparoscopy is done.
3. Performed by laparoscopy.
4. Performed with a laparoscope.

Laparoscopy: A type of minimally invasive surgery in which a small incision (cut) is made in the abdominal wall through which an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted to permit structures within the abdomen and pelvis to be seen. The abdominal cavity is distended and made visible by the instillation of absorbable gas, typically, carbon dioxide. A diversity of tubes can be pushed through the same incision in the skin. Probes or other instruments can thus be introduced through the same opening. In this way, a number of surgical procedures can be performed without the need for a large surgical incision. Most patients receive general anesthesia during the procedure.

Liver: An organ in the upper abdomen that aids in digestion and removes waste products and worn-out cells from the blood. The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. The liver weighs about three and a half pounds (1.6 kilograms). It measures about 8 inches (20 cm) horizontally (across) and 6.5 inches (17 cm) vertically (down) and is 4.5 inches (12 cm) thick.

Lymphatic: 1. One of the lymphatics, vessel that convey the lymph fluid. 2. Pertaining to the lymph, lymphoid tissue, or lymphocytes. 3. Lacking energy. Sluggish.
From the Latin lympha (water or water goddess), from the Greek nymphe (nymph).

Lymphatic tissue: A part of the body's immune system that helps protect it from bacteria and other foreign entities.

Meckel's diverticulum: An outpouching from the small intestine, due to failure of obliteration of the yolk stalk (which normally disappears during embryonic life). About 2% of people have a Meckel's diverticulum. It is usually located about 2 feet (60 cm) above the junction of the small intestine with the colon (the large intestine). A Meckel's diverticulum can become inflamed, ulcerate, bleed, perforate or cause obstruction of the small bowel. If it is inflamed or perforated, it is

Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface.

Mesentery: A fold of tissue which attaches organs to the body wall.

Microscopic: So small it cannot be seen without the aid of microscope. As opposed to macroscopic (large enough to be seen with naked eye). A tiny tumor is microscopic while a big tumor is macroscopic.

Mucus: A thick slippery fluid produced by the membranes lining certain organs such as the nose, mouth, throat, and vagina. Mucus is the Latin word for "a semifluid, slimy discharge from the nose." Note that mucus is a noun while the adjective is mucous.

Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. There are three types of muscle in the body. Muscle which is responsible for moving extremities and external areas of the body is called "skeletal muscle." Heart muscle is called "cardiac muscle." Muscle that is in the walls of arteries and bowel is called "smooth muscle."

Nausea: Nausea is the urge to vomit. It can be brought by many causes including, systemic illnesses, such as influenza, medications, pain, and inner ear disease.

Nose: The external midline projection from the face.

Obstruction: Blockage of a passageway. See, for example: Airway obstruction; Intestinal obstruction.

Ovarian: Of or pertaining to the ovary.

Ovary: The female gonad, the ovary is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a fallopian tube to the uterus. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the development of female body characteristics, such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. They also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Pain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components. The physical part of pain results from nerve stimulation. Pain may be contained to a discrete area, as in an injury, or it can be more diffuse, as in disorders like fibromyalgia . Pain is mediated by specific nerve fibers that carry the pain impulses to the brain where their conscious appreciation may be modified by many factors.

Pelvic: Having to do with the pelvis, the lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.

Pelvis: The lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones.

Peri-appendiceal: See: Periappendiceal.
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Periappendiceal: Near the appendix. Perforation of the appendix can lead to a periappendiceal abscess (a collection of pus near the appendix).

Peritoneum: The membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers most of the abdominal organs. (From the Greek peri- meaning around + tonos meaning a stretching = a stretching around).

Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum (The peritoneum is the tissue layer of cells lining the inner wall of the abdomen and pelvis). Peritonitis can result from infection (such as bacteria or parasites), injury and bleeding, or diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus).

Pregnant: The state of carrying a developing fetus within the body.

Puncture wound: An injury caused by a pointed object that pierces or penetrates the skin. Any puncture wound through tennis shoes (as with a nail) has a high risk of infection, because the foam in tennis shoes can harbor the bacteria Pseudomonas. Puncture wounds also carry a danger of tetanus.

Pus: A thick whitish-yellow fluid which results from the accumulation of white blood cells (WBCs), liquified tissue and cellular debris. Pus is commonly a site of infection or foreign material in the body.

Rebound: Return of the original symptoms when maneuvers or treatment is discontinued.

Red blood cells: The blood cells that carry oxygen. Red cells contain hemoglobin and it is the hemoglobin which permits them to transport oxygen (and carbon dioxide). Hemoglobin, aside from being a transport molecule, is a pigment. It gives the cells their red color (and their name).

Rest: 1. Repose. Relaxation.
2. A fragment of embryonic tissue that has been retained after the period of embryonic development. Also called an embryonic rest.

Rupture: A break or tear in any organ (such as the spleen) or soft tissue (such as the achilles tendon). Rupture of the appendix is more likely among uninsured and minority children when they develop appendicitis.

Scan: As a noun, the data or image obtained from the examination of organs or regions of the body by gathering information with a sensing device.

Sepsis: Commonly called a "blood stream infection." The presence of bacteria (bacteremia) or other infectious organisms or their toxins in the blood (septicemia) or in other tissue of the body. Sepsis may be associated with clinical symptoms of systemic (bodywide) illness, such as fever , chills, malaise (generally feeling "rotten"), low blood pressure , and mental status changes. Sepsis can be a serious situation, a life threatening disease calling for urgent and comprehensive care.
See the entire definition of Sepsis

Sign: Any objective evidence of disease. Gross blood in the stool is a sign of disease. It can be recognized by the patient, doctor, nurse, or others. In contrast, a symptom is, by its nature, subjective. Abdominal pain is a symptom. It is something only the patient can know.
See the entire definition of Sign

Skin: The skin is the body's outer covering. It protects us against heat and light, injury, and infection. It regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. Weighing about 6 pounds, the skin is the body's largest organ. It is made up of two main layers; the outer epidermis and the inner dermis.

See the entire definition of Skin
Small intestine: The part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the large intestine.
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Stomach: 1. The sac-shaped digestive organ that is located in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. The upper part of the stomach connects to the esophagus, and the lower part leads into the small intestine.

Stool: The solid matter discharged in a bowel movement.

Surgeon: A physician who treats disease, injury, or deformity by operative or manual methods. A medical doctor specialized in the removal of organs, masses and tumors and in doing other procedures using a knife (scalpel). The definition of a "surgeon" has begun to blur in recent years as surgeons have begun to minimize the cutting, employ new technologies that are "minimally invasive," use scopes, etc.

Surgery: The word "surgery" has multiple meanings. It is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases and conditions which require or are amenable to operative procedures. Surgery is the work done by a surgeon. By analogy, the work of an editor wielding his pen as a scalpel is s form of surgery. A surgery in England (and some other countries) is a physician's or dentist's office.

Symptom: Any subjective evidence of disease. Anxiety, lower back pain, and fatigue are all symptoms. They are sensations only the patient can perceive. In contrast, a sign is objective evidence of disease. A bloody nose is a sign. It is evident to the patient, doctor, nurse and other observers.

Temperature: The temperature is the specific degree of hotness or coldness of the body. It is usually measured with a thermometer.

Tissue: A tissue in medicine is not like a piece of tissue paper. It is a broad term that is applied to any group of cells that perform specific functions. A tissue in medicine need not form a layer. Thus,

* The bone marrow is a tissue;
* Connective tissue consists of cells that make up fibers in the framework supporting other body tissues; and
* Lymphoid tissue is the part of the body's immune system that helps protect it from bacteria and other foreign entities.
* Pictures of Appendicitis & Appendectomy - Slideshow Appendicitis & Appendectomy Slideshow

Tubes: The "tubes" are medically known as the Fallopian tubes. There are two Fallopian tubes, one on each side, which transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus (the womb). The Fallopian tubes have small hair-like projections called cilia on the cells of the lining.

Ulcer: An area of tissue erosion, for example, of the skin or lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Due to the erosion, an ulcer is concave. It is always depressed below the level of the surrounding tissue.

Ultrasound : High-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound waves can be bounced off of tissues using special devices. The echoes are then converted into a picture called a sonogram. Ultrasound imaging, referred to as ultrasonography, allows physicians and patients to get an inside view of soft tissues and body cavities, without using invasive techniques. Ultrasound is often used to examine a fetus during pregnancy. There is no convincing evidence for any danger from ultrasound during pregnancy.

Urinalysis : A test that determines the content of the urine. Because urine removes toxins and excess liquids from the body, it can contain important clues. Urinalysis can be used to detect some types of disease, particularly in the case of metabolic disorders and kidney disease. It can also be used to uncover evidence of drug abuse .

Urine: Liquid waste. The urine is a clear, transparent fluid. It normally has an amber color. The average amount of urine excreted in 24 hours is from 40 to 60 ounces (about 1,200 cubic centimeters). Chemically, the urine is mainly an aqueous (watery) solution of salt (sodium chloride) and substances called urea and uric acid. Normally, it contains about 960 parts of water to 40 parts of solid matter. Abnormally, it may contain sugar (in diabetes), albumen (a protein) (as in some forms of kidney disease), bile pigments (as in jaundice), or abnormal quantities of one or another of its normal components.

Uterus: The uterus (womb) is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. The narrow, lower portion of the uterus is the cervix; the broader, upper part is the corpus. The corpus is made up of two layers of tissue.

White blood cell: One of the cells the body makes to help fight infections. There are several types of white blood cells ( leukocytes ). The two most common types are the lymphocytes and neutrophils (also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs, or "polys").

White blood cell count (leukocyte count): The number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. The WBC is usually measured as part of the CBC ( complete blood count ). White blood cells are the infection-fighting cells in the blood and are distinct from the red (oxygen-carrying) blood cells known as erythrocytes. There are different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes ; PMNs), band cells (slightly immature neutrophils), T-type lymphocytes (T cells), B-type lymphocytes (B cells), monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. All the types of white blood cells are reflected in the white blood cell count. The normal range for the white blood cell count varies between laboratories but is usually between 4,300 and 10,800 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. This can also be referred to as the leukocyte count and can be expressed in international units as 4.3 - 10.8 x 109 cells per liter.

X-ray: 1. High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-rays possess the properties of penetrating most substances (to varying extents), of acting on a photographic film or plate (permitting radiography), and of causing a fluorescent screen to give off light (permitting fluoroscopy). In low doses X-rays are used for making images that help to diagnose disease, and in high doses to treat cancer . Formerly called a Roentgen ray. 2. An image obtained by means of X-rays.

What Are The Complications of Appendectomy?

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The most common complication of appendectomy is infection of the wound, that is, of the surgical incision. Such infections vary in severity from mild, with only redness and perhaps some tenderness over the incision, to moderate, requiring only antibiotics, to severe, requiring antibiotics and surgical treatment. Occasionally, the inflammation and infection of appendicitis are so severe that the surgeon will not close the incision at the end of the surgery because of concern that the wound is already infected. Instead, the surgical closing is postponed for several days to allow the infection to subside with antibiotic therapy and make it less likely for infection to occur within the incision. Wound infections are less common with laparoscopic surgery.

Another complication of appendectomy is an abscess, a collection of pus in the area of the appendix. Although abscesses can be drained of their pus surgically, there are also non-surgical techniques, as previously discussed.

Are there long-term consequences of appendectomy?
It is not clear if the appendix has an important role in the body in older children and adults. There are no major, long-term health problems resulting from removing the appendix although a slight increase in some diseases has been noted, for example, Crohn's disease.

How Is An Appendectomy Done?

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During an appendectomy, an incision two to three inches in length is made through the skin and the layers of the abdominal wall over the area of the appendix. The surgeon enters the abdomen and looks for the appendix which usually is in the right lower abdomen. After examining the area around the appendix to be certain that no additional problem is present, the appendix is removed. This is done by freeing the appendix from its mesenteric attachment to the abdomen and colon, cutting the appendix from the colon, and sewing over the hole in the colon. If an abscess is present, the pus can be drained with drains that pass from the abscess and out through the skin. The abdominal incision then is closed.

Newer techniques for removing the appendix involve the use of the laparoscope. The laparoscope is a thin telescope attached to a video camera that allows the surgeon to inspect the inside of the abdomen through a small puncture wound (instead of a larger incision). If appendicitis is found, the appendix can be removed with special instruments that can be passed into the abdomen, just like the laparoscope, through small puncture wounds. The benefits of the laparoscopic technique include less post-operative pain (since much of the post-surgery pain comes from incisions) and a speedier return to normal activities. An additional advantage of laparoscopy is that it allows the surgeon to look inside the abdomen to make a clear diagnosis in cases in which the diagnosis of appendicitis is in doubt. For example, laparoscopy is especially helpful in menstruating women in whom a rupture of an ovarian cysts may mimic appendicitis.

If the appendix is not ruptured (perforated) at the time of surgery, the patient generally is sent home from the hospital after surgery in one or two days. Patients whose appendix has perforated are sicker than patients without perforation, and their hospital stay often is prolonged (four to seven days), particularly if peritonitis has occurred. Intravenous antibiotics are given in the hospital to fight infection and assist in resolving any abscess.

Occasionally, the surgeon may find a normal-appearing appendix and no other cause for the patient's problem. In this situation, the surgeon may remove the appendix. The reasoning in these cases is that it is better to remove a normal-appearing appendix than to miss and not treat appropriately an early or mild case of appendicitis.

How Is Appendicitis Treated?

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Once a diagnosis of appendicitis is made, an appendectomy usually is performed. Antibiotics almost always are begun prior to surgery and as soon as appendicitis is suspected.

There is a small group of patients in whom the inflammation and infection of appendicitis remain mild and localized to a small area. The body is able not only to contain the inflammation and infection but to resolve it as well. These patients usually are not very ill and improve during several days of observation. This type of appendicitis is referred to as "confined appendicitis" and may be treated with antibiotics alone. The appendix may or may not be removed at a later time.

On occasion, a person may not see their doctor until appendicitis with rupture has been present for many days or even weeks. In this situation, an abscess usually has formed, and the appendiceal perforation may have closed over. If the abscess is small, it initially can be treated with antibiotics; however, the abscess usually requires drainage. A drain (a small plastic or rubber tube) usually is inserted through the skin and into the abscess with the aid of an ultrasound or CT scan that can determine the exact location of the abscess. The drain allows pus to flow from the abscess out of the body. The appendix may be removed several weeks or months after the abscess has resolved. This is called an interval appendectomy and is done to prevent a second attack of appendicitis.

What Other Conditions Can Mimic Appendicitis?

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The surgeon faced with a patient suspected of having appendicitis always must consider and look for other conditions that can mimic appendicitis. Among the conditions that mimic appendicitis are:

* Meckel's diverticulitis. A Meckel's diverticulum is a small outpouching of the small intestine which usually is located in the right lower abdomen near the appendix. The diverticulum may become inflamed or even perforate (break open or rupture). If inflamed and/or perforated, it usually is removed surgically.

* Pelvic inflammatory disease. The right fallopian tube and ovary lie near the appendix. Sexually active women may contract infectious diseases that involve the tube and ovary. Usually, antibiotic therapy is sufficient treatment, and surgical removal of the tube and ovary are not necessary.

* Inflammatory diseases of the right upper abdomen. Fluids from the right upper abdomen may drain into the lower abdomen where they stimulate inflammation and mimic appendicitis. Such fluids may come from a perforated duodenal ulcer, gallbladder disease, or inflammatory diseases of the liver, e.g., a liver abscess.

* Right-sided diverticulitis. Although most diverticuli are located on the left side of the colon, they occasionally occur on the right side. When a right-sided diverticulum ruptures it can provoke inflammation they mimics appendicitis.

* Kidney diseases. The right kidney is close enough to the appendix that inflammatory problems in the kidney-for example, an abscess-can mimic appendicitis.

Why Can It Be Difficult To Diagnose Appendicitis?

2009-12-15T22:18:00.000-08:00

It can be difficult to diagnose appendicitis. The position of the appendix in the abdomen may vary. Most of the time the appendix is in the right lower abdomen, but the appendix, like other parts of the intestine, has a mesentery. This mesentery is a sheet-like membrane that attaches the appendix to other structures within the abdomen. If the mesentery is large, it allows the appendix to move around. In addition, the appendix may be longer than normal. The combination of a large mesentery and a long appendix allows the appendix to dip down into the pelvis (among the pelvic organs in women). It also may allow the appendix to move behind the colon (called a retro-colic appendix). In either case, inflammation of the appendix may act more like the inflammation of other organs, for example, a woman's pelvic organs.

The diagnosis of appendicitis also can be difficult because other inflammatory problems may mimic appendicitis. Therefore, it is common to observe patients with suspected appendicitis for a period of time to see if the problem will resolve on its own or develop characteristics that more strongly suggest appendicitis or, perhaps, another condition.

What is Appendicitis And What Causes Appendicitis?

2009-12-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. It is thought that appendicitis begins when the opening from the appendix into the cecum becomes blocked. The blockage may be due to a build-up of thick mucus within the appendix or to stool that enters the appendix from the cecum. The mucus or stool hardens, becomes rock-like, and blocks the opening. This rock is called a fecalith (literally, a rock of stool). At other times, the lymphatic tissue in the appendix may swell and block the appendix. After the blockage occurs, bacteria which normally are found within the appendix begin to invade (infect) the wall of the appendix. The body responds to the invasion by mounting an attack on the bacteria, an attack called inflammation. An alternative theory for the cause of appendicitis is an initial rupture of the appendix followed by spread of bacteria outside the appendix.. The cause of such a rupture is unclear, but it may relate to changes that occur in the lymphatic tissue, for example, inflammation, that line the wall of the appendix.)

If the inflammation and infection spread through the wall of the appendix, the appendix can rupture. After rupture, infection can spread throughout the abdomen; however, it usually is confined to a small area surrounding the appendix (forming a peri-appendiceal abscess).

Sometimes, the body is successful in containing ("healing") the appendicitis without surgical treatment if the infection and accompanying inflammation do not spread throughout the abdomen. The inflammation, pain and symptoms may disappear. This is particularly true in elderly patients and when antibiotics are used. The patients then may come to the doctor long after the episode of appendicitis with a lump or a mass in the right lower abdomen that is due to the scarring that occurs during healing. This lump might raise the suspicion of cancer.

What Are The Complications of Appendicitis?

2009-12-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

The most frequent complication of appendicitis is perforation. Perforation of the appendix can lead to a periappendiceal abscess (a collection of infected pus) or diffuse peritonitis (infection of the entire lining of the abdomen and the pelvis). The major reason for appendiceal perforation is delay in diagnosis and treatment. In general, the longer the delay between diagnosis and surgery, the more likely is perforation. The risk of perforation 36 hours after the onset of symptoms is at least 15%. Therefore, once appendicitis is diagnosed, surgery should be done without unnecessary delay.

A less common complication of appendicitis is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs when the inflammation surrounding the appendix causes the intestinal muscle to stop working, and this prevents the intestinal contents from passing. If the intestine above the blockage begins to fill with liquid and gas, the abdomen distends and nausea and vomiting may occur. It then may be necessary to drain the contents of the intestine through a tube passed through the nose and esophagus and into the stomach and intestine.

A feared complication of appendicitis is sepsis, a condition in which infecting bacteria enter the blood and travel to other parts of the body. This is a very serious, even life-threatening complication. Fortunately, it occurs infrequently.

How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

2009-12-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

The diagnosis of appendicitis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Patients often have an elevated temperature, and there usually will be moderate to severe tenderness in the right lower abdomen when the doctor pushes there. If inflammation has spread to the peritoneum, there is frequently rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness is pain that is worse when the doctor quickly releases his hand after gently pressing on the abdomen over the area of tenderness.

White Blood Cell Count
The white blood cell count in the blood usually becomes elevated with infection. In early appendicitis, before infection sets in, it can be normal, but most often there is at least a mild elevation even early. Unfortunately, appendicitis is not the only condition that causes elevated white blood cell counts. Almost any infection or inflammation can cause this count to be abnormally high. Therefore, an elevated white blood cell count alone cannot be used as a sign of appendicitis.

Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a microscopic examination of the urine that detects red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. Urinalysis usually is abnormal when there is inflammation or stones in the kidneys or bladder. The urinalysis also may be abnormal with appendicitis because the appendix lies near the ureter and bladder. If the inflammation of appendicitis is great enough, it can spread to the ureter and bladder leading to an abnormal urinalysis. Most patients with appendicitis, however, have a normal urinalysis. Therefore, a normal urinalysis suggests appendicitis more than a urinary tract problem.

Abdominal X-Ray
An abdominal x-ray may detect the fecalith (the hardened and calcified, pea-sized piece of stool that blocks the appendiceal opening) that may be the cause of appendicitis. This is especially true in children.

Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to identify organs within the body. Ultrasound can identify an enlarged appendix or an abscess. Nevertheless, during appendicitis, the appendix can be seen in only 50% of patients. Therefore, not seeing the appendix during an ultrasound does not exclude appendicitis. Ultrasound also is helpful in women because it can exclude the presence of conditions involving the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus that can mimic appendicitis.

Barium Enema
A barium enema is an x-ray test where liquid barium is inserted into the colon from the anus to fill the colon. This test can, at times, show an impression on the colon in the area of the appendix where the inflammation from the adjacent inflammation impinges on the colon. Barium enema also can exclude other intestinal problems that mimic appendicitis, for example Crohn's disease.

Computerized tomography (CT) Scan
In patients who are not pregnant, a CT Scan of the area of the appendix is useful in diagnosing appendicitis and peri-appendiceal abscesses as well as in excluding other diseases inside the abdomen and pelvis that can mimic appendicitis.

Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small fiberoptic tube with a camera is inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture made on the abdominal wall. Laparoscopy allows a direct view of the appendix as well as other abdominal and pelvic organs. If appendicitis is found, the inflamed appendix can be removed with the laparascope. The disadvantage of laparoscopy compared to ultrasound and CT is that it requires a general anesthetic.

There is no one test that will diagnose appendicitis with certainty. Therefore, the approach to suspected appendicitis may include a period of observation, tests as previously discussed, or surgery.

What Are The Symptoms of Appendicitis?

2009-12-15T21:40:00.000-08:00

What Are The Symptoms of Appendicitis?

2009-12-15T21:17:00.000-08:00

The main symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain. The pain is at first diffuse and poorly localized, that is, not confined to one spot. (Poorly localized pain is typical whenever a problem is confined to the small intestine or colon, including the appendix.) The pain is so difficult to pinpoint that when asked to point to the area of the pain, most people indicate the location of the pain with a circular motion of their hand around the central part of their abdomen. A second, common, early symptom of appendicitis is loss of appetite which may progress to nausea and even vomiting. Nausea and vomiting also may occur later due to intestinal obstruction.

As appendiceal inflammation increases, it extends through the appendix to its outer covering and then to the lining of the abdomen, a thin membrane called the peritoneum. Once the peritoneum becomes inflamed, the pain changes and then can be localized clearly to one small area. Generally, this area is between the front of the right hip bone and the belly button. The exact point is named after Dr. Charles McBurney--McBurney's point. If the appendix ruptures and infection spreads throughout the abdomen, the pain becomes diffuse again as the entire lining of the abdomen becomes inflamed.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of appendicitis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Patients often have an elevated temperature, and there usually will be moderate to severe tenderness in the right lower abdomen when the doctor pushes there. If inflammation has spread to the peritoneum, there is frequently rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness is pain that is worse when the doctor quickly releases his hand after gently pressing on the abdomen over the area of tenderness.

White Blood Cell Count
The white blood cell count in the blood usually becomes elevated with infection. In early appendicitis, before infection sets in, it can be normal, but most often there is at least a mild elevation even early. Unfortunately, appendicitis is not the only condition that causes elevated white blood cell counts. Almost any infection or inflammation can cause this count to be abnormally high. Therefore, an elevated white blood cell count alone cannot be used as a sign of appendicitis.

Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a microscopic examination of the urine that detects red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. Urinalysis usually is abnormal when there is inflammation or stones in the kidneys or bladder. The urinalysis also may be abnormal with appendicitis because the appendix lies near the ureter and bladder. If the inflammation of appendicitis is great enough, it can spread to the ureter and bladder leading to an abnormal urinalysis. Most patients with appendicitis, however, have a normal urinalysis. Therefore, a normal urinalysis suggests appendicitis more than a urinary tract problem.

Abdominal X-Ray
An abdominal x-ray may detect the fecalith (the hardened and calcified, pea-sized piece of stool that blocks the appendiceal opening) that may be the cause of appendicitis. This is especially true in children.

Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to identify organs within the body. Ultrasound can identify an enlarged appendix or an abscess. Nevertheless, during appendicitis, the appendix can be seen in only 50% of patients. Therefore, not seeing the appendix during an ultrasound does not exclude appendicitis. Ultrasound also is helpful in women because it can exclude the presence of conditions involving the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus that can mimic appendicitis.

Barium Enema
A barium enema is an x-ray test where liquid barium is inserted into the colon from the anus to fill the colon. This test can, at times, show an impression on the colon in the area of the appendix where the inflammation from the adjacent inflammation impinges on the colon. Barium enema also can exclude other intestinal problems that mimic appendicitis, for example Crohn's disease.

Computerized tomography (CT) Scan
In patients who are not pregnant, a CT Scan of the area of the appendix is useful in diagnosing appendicitis and peri-appendiceal abscesses as well as in excluding other diseases inside the abdomen and pelvis that can mimic appendicitis.

Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small fiberoptic tube with a camera is inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture made on the abdominal wall. Laparoscopy allows a direct view of the appendix as well as other abdominal and pelvic organs. If appendicitis is found, the inflamed appendix can be removed with the laparascope. The disadvantage of laparoscopy compared to ultrasound and CT is that it requires a general anesthetic.

There is no one test that will diagnose appendicitis with certainty. Therefore, the approach to suspected appendicitis may include a period of observation, tests as previously discussed, or surgery.

How to Recognize Appendicitis

2009-12-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Appendicitis affects thousands of people in the United States each year and is most commonly found in the 11 to 35-year age range. Additionally, it is the most commonly diagnosed abdominal medical emergency in people under age 39. The condition of appendicitis is due to inflammation of the appendix--and if not recognized and treated at the early stage will progress rapidly into an abscess or life-threatening perforation of the inflamed organ--which can lead to death. This article will help you to recognize some of the signs and symptoms of appendicitis.
Instructions

Step 1
One of the early sign of appendicitis is a DULL pain that starts around the belly button area and gradually moves over time toward the right lower quadrant of the abdominal area. The pain typically WAXES and WANES at the beginning and then becomes sharp and localized as the appendicitis becomes more inflamed.

Step 2
Other accompanying signs and symptoms are loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, distention and "bloaty" feeling of the abdomen, diarrhea or constipation.

Step 3
As the condition gradually worsens, the symptoms will also be accompanied by a low-grade fever which may indicate that an abscess has formed in the appendix and is at a high risk of perforating.

Step 4
Some of the common physical signs of appendicitis can be exhibited in a person's behavior. The physician will usually examine a person suspected of having appendicitis in the ER and will try to elicit typical behavior by performing specific tests like the Rovsings sign, Psoas sign and "pinch an inch" test.

Step 5
GUARDING sign is a very common behavior with appendicitis. The person will try to avoid anyone touching or going near their abdominal area by guarding their body with their arms.

Step 6
Certain movements and positioning of the body will either increase or decrease the pain. At the early stages of the condition the person will complain of tenderness when pressure is applied to the area, and upon releasing the pressure quickly, the pain increases significantly. This is called Rebound Tenderness. Sudden movement, coughing, or walking makes the pain worse, but lying in a fetal position usually decreases the intensity of the pain.

Step 7
Any time you suspect appendicitis you must seek medical attention because the key is to treat it before the organ ruptures or perforates. The inflamed organ is prone to rupture more quickly in a younger person than in an older person, so it is best to not take abdominal pain lightly, especially if you are younger.