Appendicitis
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix, a small, finger‑shaped pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and filled with pus. This inflammation can occur suddenly and rapidly, causing increasing pain and discomfort. Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain requiring emergency surgery in both children and adults.
Left untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture, leading to a serious infection of the abdominal cavity called peritonitis. For this reason, timely evaluation and treatment are critical.
Causes and Risk Factors
Appendicitis typically develops when the opening of the appendix becomes blocked. This blockage can be caused by:
- Hardened stool or fecal matter
- Enlarged lymphoid tissue
- Infection
- Intestinal parasites (less common)
When the opening is blocked, bacteria can multiply inside the appendix, causing inflammation and swelling. If not treated promptly, this process can cause the appendix to burst.
Appendicitis most often occurs in children and young adults but can affect people of any age.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of appendicitis may include:
- Pain near the belly button that moves to the lower right side
- Sudden, sharp abdominal pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or walking
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal swelling
Because symptoms can vary and may mimic other conditions, medical evaluation is essential when appendicitis is suspected.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing appendicitis typically involves a combination of:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Blood tests to check for signs of infection
- Urine testing to rule out other causes
- Imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan) to visualize the appendix and look for inflammation
Prompt diagnosis helps prevent complications and guides the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment
The definitive treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix in a procedure called an appendectomy. There are two main approaches:
- Laparoscopic appendectomy: A minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera; this is the most common approach and typically allows quicker recovery.
- Open appendectomy: A single larger incision may be used in cases where the appendix has ruptured or if laparoscopic surgery isn’t appropriate.
In some cases of uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics may be used first, especially when surgery poses a higher risk. However, surgery is generally recommended to prevent recurrence and reduce the chance of rupture.
