Appendicitis

Overview

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix a small fingerlike tube located where the large and small intestines come together. Anyone can get appendicitis but it occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30. While many parents fear appendicitis it is actually responsible for only about 5 per cent of all cases of abdominal pain. It does however require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms

It can be difficult to know for certain if one has appendicitis. These are some of the symptoms to watch for:

  • abdominal pain usually starting in the middle of the abdomen around the belly button then shifting to the right lower side of the abdomen
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • pain when touched on the right side of the abdomen
  • low grade fever

Not everyone with appendicitis has all the symptoms. The pain intensifies and worsens when moving taking deep breaths coughing or sneezing. The area becomes very tender. People may have a sensation called "downward urge" also known as "tenesmus" which is the feeling that a bowel movement will relieve their discomfort. Laxatives and pain medications should not be taken in this situation. Because of the risk of rupture appendicitis is considered an emergency. Anyone with symptoms needs to get to a hospital immediately.

Causes

In most cases the inflammation is caused by an obstruction of the opening of the appendix by a piece of stool by a parasite or by an infection. Most cases of appendicitis occur between October and May. A family history of appendicitis may increase a child's risk for the illness especially in boys.

Treatment

If the appendix isn't removed quickly it may rupture and cause a dangerous life-threatening infection. Infants young children and older adults are at highest risk.

The operation may be performed through a standard small incision in the right lower part of the abdomen or it may be performed using a laparoscope which requires three to four smaller incisions. The appendix is almost always removed even if it is found to be normal. With complete removal any later episodes of pain will not be attributed to appendicitis.

Recovery from appendectomy takes a few weeks. Doctors usually prescribe pain medication and antibiotics and ask patients to limit physical activity. Recovery from laparoscopic appendectomy is generally faster but limiting strenuous activity may still be necessary for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Most people treated for appendicitis fully recover and rarely need to make any changes in their diet exercise or lifestyle.