Appendicitis is an inflammation and infection of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch extending from the first part of the large intestine. The large intestine in this region is known as the cecum. Appendicitis is reasonably common, happening in approximately 1 out of every 500 people each year. The peak incidence of appendicitis is between the ages of 15 and 25, however it can occur at just about any age. It is slightly more common in men as well. Appendicitis is a medical emergency which must be treated promptly before the appendix ruptures. If this happens, a person can die.
The function of the appendix is somewhat controversial. In years past it was believed that it served no function in the body, however now there is some evidence that it has a minor role in the immune system. Whatever its true function may be, people are able to live healthy lives without their appendix.
The appendix can become infected for any number of reasons. Typically the bacteria which cause the infection are found normally in the intestinal tract. If the appendix becomes obstructed with bowel movements as they move through the intestine, the obstruction can cause an infection.
Symptoms
Acute appendicitis presents with very specific symptoms. Most commonly a person will experience pain. This pain will typically begin approximately in the center of the belly and frequently will move towards the right lower abdomen. The pain is typically constant, and localized only to the abdomen. Pain from appendicitis will worsen when a person moves, breathes, coughs, or sneezes. In addition, the abdomen becomes very tender to the touch.
People with acute appendicitis will often become nauseous and experience vomiting. Diarrhea is infrequent, although it is seen in some cases. Some people will experience constipation.
In the hours after the infection starts, some people will experience a low-level fever. In the later stages of appendicitis, the abdomen can become quite swollen and distended.
Complications
Acute appendicitis is a medical emergency. When the appendix becomes infected, it can rupture, spilling its contents into the abdominal cavity. When this happens it is almost universally fatal to a person unless surgery is immediately performed to correct the problem.
Ruptures of the appendix during appendicitis are more common in people who acquire the infection when they are older. The time it takes from the onset of the infection to a rupture can be quite variable. In some cases it can take only hours while in others the delay can be up to a day. In any case, the infection must be treated immediately before a rupture takes place. Never wait to treat appendicitis.
Treatment
Most cases of appendicitis are treated by surgically removing be infected appendix. Although antibiotics can be prescribed with for a person with appendicitis, they will rarely cure the infection.
Before taking a person for surgery, it is important to determine that the symptoms are in fact being caused by appendicitis. Your doctor can do this using a combination of blood samples, urine samples, and clinical evidence.
If you or someone you know experiences sharp abdominal pain which begins with little notice, contact a doctor as soon as possible. There are many causes of abdominal pain, however if the pain is in conjunction with vomiting, fever or dizziness, that is a sign that there may be an infection which needs to be treated.
