Appendicitis

Appendicitis is when the appendix, a little part near your big intestine, gets really swollen and infected. It hurts a lot and usually needs surgery to take out the appendix. This is a common reason for belly pain and the most usual cause for emergency belly surgery.

Overview

Appendicitis happens when something blocks the appendix, a tiny part near your tummy's big pipe (large intestine). This can be because of germs, swelling, or strange growth. The blockage makes the appendix swell up and get filled with goo and germs. When that pressure gets too much, it gets all red and sick, and it can even break open. This lets germs escape into your belly, which can be really bad.

The biggest sign of appendicitis is belly pain. It usually starts near your bellybutton and then moves down to the lower right side of your tummy. You might also feel sick, throw up, lose your appetite, or have trouble going to the bathroom.

Doctors figure out if you have appendicitis by checking your body and running some tests, like looking at your blood and pee. They might also use special pictures like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

The usual way to treat appendicitis is by doing surgery to take out the appendix. They often do this with small cuts, so it's not a big surgery. If the appendix broke open, you might need medicine to fight the germs too. Sometimes, if the problem isn't too bad, they might skip surgery and treat you with medicine.

If appendicitis isn't treated fast, it can cause big problems like bad infections. So, if you ever have signs of it, like bad belly pain, it's really important to see a doctor. They can help stop things from getting worse. Eating healthy and finding ways to relax might help lower the risk of getting appendicitis.

Symptoms

1. Belly Pain: You might feel really bad pain in the lower-right part of your tummy.

2. Feeling Sick: You could feel like throwing up or might actually throw up.

3. Not Hungry: You might not feel like eating anything.

4. Fever: Your body temperature might go up and you feel hot.

5. Bathroom Trouble: You might find it hard to poop or might have loose stools.

6. Belly Looks Big: Your tummy might puff up and get bigger.

7. Pain with Moving: When you move, breathe deep, or even cough, the pain gets worse.

8. Hurts When Touched: If someone presses on your tummy, it hurts more than usual.

Causes

Appendicitis happens when something gets stuck in the appendix, which is a little tube-like thing on the lower right side of your belly. This blockage can be because of hard poop, tiny bugs called parasites, or the inside of the appendix getting swollen. Sometimes, other things like infections, injuries, or even growths can also lead to appendicitis.

Appendicitis Diagnosis

1. Doctor's Check: First, the doctor will look at your belly and ask about how you're feeling. They'll gently touch your tummy to see if it hurts, and if there's any swelling or tenderness, especially on the lower right side.

2. Blood Test: They might take a little bit of your blood to see if there are signs of infection. They'll check things like how many white blood cells you have, which can tell if your body is fighting something.

3. Special Pictures: They might use machines to take pictures inside your belly. These could be ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. These pictures help the doctor see if your appendix is causing trouble.

4. Keyhole Look: Sometimes, they might even put a tiny camera into your belly to take a closer look. This helps them be sure if you have appendicitis and if there are any problems because of it.

If the doctor is sure you have appendicitis, you might need surgery to take out the appendix.

Appendicitis has different stages:

1. Starting Trouble: You might have some mild discomfort and a feeling of fullness in your belly.
2. More Pain: The pain gets worse, and you might feel really sick, throw up, and get a fever.
3. Big Pain: The pain becomes really strong and might spread to your back and legs.
4. Appendix Breaks: The appendix might burst, causing even more severe pain, fever, and chills.
5. Serious Infection: If things get really bad, you could get an infection in your belly lining, which causes intense pain, fever, and chills.

Treatment

The treatment for appendicitis depends on the severity of the condition. Generally, the most common treatment is to surgically remove the appendix (appendectomy). This is usually done through a small incision in the abdomen, known as laparoscopic surgery. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce the inflammation before surgery. In rare cases, the appendix may be removed without surgery through a procedure called a percutaneous appendectomy. In some cases, a doctor may recommend observation and antibiotics to see if the inflammation resolves on its own.