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Appendicitis – medical information in daily life

Appendicitis – medical information in daily life

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, which is a finger-shaped sac that arises from the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. The supplement does not seem to have a specific purpose.

Appendicitis causes pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, but for most people, the pain begins around the navel and then spreads. As the inflammation worsens, the pain from appendicitis increases and eventually becomes severe.

Although anyone can develop appendicitis, it is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 30.

Symptoms of appendicitis

Signs and symptoms of this disease are:

  • Sudden pain that begins in the right side of the lower abdomen.
  • Sudden pain that starts around the navel and often radiates to the lower right part of the abdomen.
  • Pain that gets worse when you cough, walk, or make other jerky movements.
  • Vomiting and nausea.
  • Anorexia.
  • A mild fever that may get worse as the disease progresses.
  • Constipation or diarrhea.
  • swelling;

The location of the pain can vary depending on the age and condition of the appendix. When you are pregnant, the pain may come in the upper abdomen; Because during pregnancy, the appendix is ​​higher.

Need to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you or your child has any bothersome signs or symptoms. Severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of appendicitis

Blockage of the lining of the appendix caused by infection is a possible cause of appendicitis. Bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen, and filled with pus. If the appendix is ​​not treated immediately.

Complications of appendicitis

This disease can cause serious complications, including:

ruptured appendicitis

The blast spreads the infection throughout the abdomen (peritonitis). This potentially life-threatening condition requires immediate surgery to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity.

Formation of a pocket of pus in the abdomen

If the appendix ruptures, a pocket of infection (abscess) can develop. In most cases, the surgeon drains the abscess by inserting a tube through the abdominal wall into the abscess. The tube is often left in for two weeks and antibiotics are given to clear the infection.

Once the infection is cleared, you will have an operation to remove the appendix. In some cases, the abscess is drained and the appendix removed immediately.

Diagnosis of appendicitis

Your doctor will take a history of your signs and symptoms and examine your abdomen; To diagnose appendicitis. Tests and procedures used to diagnose this disease include:

A physical exam to assess pain

Your doctor may apply gentle pressure to the painful area. If the pressure stops suddenly, the pain often gets worse, which indicates peritonitis. Your doctor may also check for abdominal stiffness and your tendency to strengthen your abdominal muscles in response to pressure from an inflamed appendix.

Diagnosis of appendicitis by blood analysis

Your doctor can use this test to check for a high white blood cell count, which may indicate an infection.

Urinalysis

Your doctor may want to do a urinalysis to make sure that a urinary tract infection or kidney stone isn’t causing your pain.

Imaging tests

Your doctor may also recommend an abdominal X-ray, abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to confirm appendicitis or other causes of your pain.

appendicitis treatment

Treatment for this disease usually involves surgery to remove the inflamed appendix. You may be given a dose of an antibiotic before surgery to prevent infection.

appendicitis operation

An appendectomy can be performed as an open surgery with a single incision in the abdomen about 5 to 10 cm long (laparotomy) or by making several small incisions in the abdomen (laparoscopic surgery). . ). During the appendectomy, the surgeon inserts special surgical tools and a video camera into the abdomen; to remove the attachment.

In general, endoscopic surgery allows you to heal faster and heal with less pain and scarring. It may be best for the elderly or those who are obese, but laparoscopic surgery is not for everyone. If the appendix has ruptured and the infection has spread beyond the appendix, or if you have an abscess, you may need to have the open appendix removed, allowing the surgeon to clean your abdominal cavity. Expect to spend a day or two in the hospital after your appendix procedure.

Abscess drainage before surgery

If the appendix ruptures and an abscess forms around it, the abscess can be drained by inserting a tube through the skin into the abscess. An appendectomy may be performed later, several weeks after the infection is under control.

Lifestyle and some home remedies

Expect a few weeks to recover from appendic surgery, or longer if the appendix has ruptured. Here are some things you can do to help your body heal:

  • At first, strenuous activity should be avoided; In the case of laparoscopic appendectomy, activity should be limited to three to five days. If you’ve had open appendicitis, limit activity to 10-14 days. Ask your doctor about activity restrictions and when you can resume normal activities after surgery.
  • Support your stomach when coughing. Place a pillow on your stomach and apply pressure to it before coughing, laughing, or moving around to relieve pain.
  • Call your doctor if pain relievers don’t work, as the pain puts extra pressure on your body and slows the healing process.
  • Get up and move when you’re ready, start slowly and increase your activity when you feel ready. And start walking a short distance.
  • Sleep when you’re tired While your body is recovering, you may feel more sleepy than usual, so rest as needed.
  • Discuss returning to work or school with your doctor. You can come back when you feel ready. Children may be able to return to school less than a week after surgery while they may have to wait two to four weeks to resume strenuous activities such as gym class or playing sports.

Preparing for a doctor’s appointment

If you have stomach pain, make an appointment with your family doctor. If you have appendicitis, you will likely be admitted to hospital and referred to a surgeon to have your appendix removed.

Questions your doctor asks

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of the following questions: To help diagnose your condition:

  • When did you start experiencing stomach pain?
  • Where is the pain
  • Does the pain move?
  • How bad is the pain?
  • What aggravates or relieves pain?
  • Do you have a fever?
  • Do you feel nauseous?
  • What other signs and symptoms do you have?

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Do I suffer from appendicitis?
  • Do I need more tests?
  • What do I have other than appendicitis?
  • Should I have surgery, and if so, when?
  • What are the risks of an appendectomy?
  • How long should I stay in the hospital after the operation?
  • How long does recovery take?
  • When can I return to work after the operation?
  • Can you tell if your appendix has ruptured?

 

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