Appendicitis Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The inflammatory disease known as appendicitis affects the appendix, a little organ located in the lower right abdomen. It commonly presents with pain originating in the lower right abdomen.

Appendicitis often begins near the belly button before migrating to the lower right abdomen as inflammation advances. It usually becomes worse before getting really bad as the illness worsens.

Appendicitis Symptoms

What Causes Appendicitis?

Obstruction:

Blockage of the appendix, often by hardened stool, foreign objects, or swollen lymph nodes, is a primary cause of appendicitis.

Infections:

Viral or bacterial infections will lead to inflammation of the appendix, contributing to the development of appendicitis.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases:

Conditions like Crohn's disease, which can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, may increase the risk of appendicitis.

Tumors:

Tumors in the digestive tract, particularly near the appendix, can obstruct the organ and lead to inflammation, resulting in appendicitis.

Exact Cause Unclear:

In some cases, the exact cause of appendicitis may not be identified despite thorough evaluation.

Risk Factors of Appendicitis

Appendicitis treatment

Appendectomy:

Appendicitis is typically treated surgically by appendectomy. This treatment can be performed laparoscopically or openly, depending on the severity of the problem and the surgeon's preference.

Antibiotics:

In a few cases, antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. However, antibiotics alone are not considered a definitive treatment for appendicitis and are typically used as an adjunct to surgery.

Pain Management:

Pain relief medications may be administered to alleviate discomfort associated with appendicitis, both before and after surgery. These medications may include over-the-counter pain relievers or stronger prescription medications, depending on the severity of the pain.

Hospitalization:

Patients with appendicitis usually require hospitalization for surgical treatment and postoperative care. The length of hospital stay might vary depending on individual factors, such as the surgical approach used and the patient's recovery progress.

Recovery:

After surgery, patients are typically advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period to allow the body to heal. Most individuals can restart their normal activities in a few weeks following surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions