Appendicitis- Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Appendicitis- Things You Must Know

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small-finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the belly. When it gets inflamed or infected, it causes pain in the lower right abdomen. This condition is called appendicitis. In most people, the pain begins around the navel and then moves. However, as inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe.

Although anyone can develop appendicitis, most often it is seen to occur between the ages of 8-16.

SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS

The first signs of appendicitis are often a mild fever and pain around the navel which might seem like a common stomachache. But, with appendicitis, the pain usually worsens and moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. Look out for the signs and symptoms of appendicitis-

1. Sudden pain that begins around the navel and shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen
2. Pain that worsens while coughing, walking, or making other jerking movements
3. Loss of appetite
4. Mild fever
5. Vomiting
6. Constipation or diarrhea
7. Abdominal bloating

DIAGNOSIS OF APPENDICITIS

The symptoms of appendicitis are similar to those of other medical problems like Kidney stones, Urinary tract infections, and Pneumonia. For every patient, diagnosing the disease might not be easier just by looking at the symptoms. Therefore, certain important tests are advised for the accurate diagnosis of the disease. A doctor might recommend Ultrasound, Blood test, Urine test, and Imaging tests like CT scan, or MRI to help confirm appendicitis.

TREATMENT OF APPENDICITIS- at the Best General Surgery Treatment Hospital in Guwahati

Treatment of appendicitis depends on how severe the case is. Appendicitis treatment usually involves surgery to remove the infected or inflamed appendix which is known as Appendectomy. However, a dose of antibiotics might also be given before the surgery to treat the infection.

Some mild cases of appendicitis get better with antibiotics alone. But, surgery is the only to treat appendicitis, when the appendix ruptures. Usually, appendectomies are done using Laparoscopic Surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure with a faster healing rate and less pain. But, a patient might need a major abdominal surgery if the appendix ruptures. A burst appendix can cause severe infection and even death.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical care. Without timely medical treatment, appendicitis can be quite serious. Contact our best General Surgery specialists, if you are experiencing severe abdominal pain which is a key sign of appendicitis. Do not ignore the symptoms and seek medical care immediately to lower the chances of further complications.