Аппендицит: симптомы и причины, которые ни в коем случае нельзя игнорировать

Appendicitis poses a great danger to human life, since untimely diagnosed acute appendicitis is fraught with peritonitis and, as a result, death. That is why every person should know about the symptoms of appendicitis in order to seek medical help in a timely manner.

What is appendicitis and where is it located

Appendicitis – is an inflammation of the appendix – a small process of the caecum (what this process is needed for is still unknown. However, one thing is known - without it a person can live). Location of the appendix – right lower abdomen. Appendicitis can be acute or chronic. Chronic appendicitis – quite a rare occurrence compared to its acute form. Appendicitis most often appears between the ages of 10 and 30.

 

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Now that you know where the appendix is ​​located and know that it can become inflamed in any person, let's look at the causes of appendicitis.

Causes of appendicitis: why the appendix becomes inflamed

Specialists believe that the cause of inflammation of the appendix is ​​its obturation, which may be complete or partial. It is in the case of complete obstruction that urgent surgery is required.

Often obturation is caused by the accumulation of fecal matter. Other causes of appendix obstruction include:

  • enlarged lymphoid follicles;
  • parasites;
  • injuries;
  • tumors.

When the appendix is ​​obstructed, bacteria can multiply in it, which, in fact, leads to inflammation and the formation of pus. It can also compress nearby blood vessels. Insufficient blood flow to the appendix can lead to the development of gangrene. If the appendix ruptures, fecal matter can fill the abdominal cavity, which is also extremely dangerous.

 

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One of the possible complications of appendicitis is peritonitis – inflammation of the tissues lining the abdominal wall. A ruptured appendix can spread infection to other organs, including:

  • caecum;
  • bladder;
  • sigmoid colon.

If the infected appendix does not rupture, the infection is limited to a small area of ​​distribution, however, in this case, an abscess can form, which also is dangerous to humans.

Symptoms of appendicitis that should not be ignored

  • pain in the lower right side of the abdomen;
  • nausea;
  • vomit;
  • diarrhea;
  • constipation;
  • loss of appetite;
  • gas obstruction;
  • abdominal swelling;
  • high temperature.

One of the first signs of appendicitis are seizures. They get stronger over time. Changes in stool and, in some cases, urination may also occur with appendicitis.

Pain in the right side, which occurs along with the above symptoms – serious reason to see a doctor. Remember that appendicitis requires urgent medical attention. In the first 24 hours after symptom onset, appendix rupture is rare, but after 48 hours, appendix rupture occurs in 80% of patients.

Diagnosis of appendicitis: what examinations should be done

On physical examination, tenderness in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen is an indicator of appendicitis. Pregnant women experience more pain. If an appendix perforation occurs, the abdomen may be hard and swollen.

In addition to the physical exam, your doctor may also do other tests to check for appendicitis:

  • urinalysis;
  • gynecological examination;
  • pregnancy test (to rule out ectopic pregnancy);
  • abdominal imaging: x-ray, ultrasound or CT scan;
  • chest x-ray.

Appendicitis treatment

In rare cases, appendicitis is treated without surgery with antibiotics and a liquid diet.
However, in most cases an operation is necessary, the type of which depends on the particular case.

Are there ways to prevent inflammation of the appendix?

Unfortunately, there is no prevention of appendicitis. However, at the lowest risk are people who eat foods rich in fiber, i.e. fresh fruits and vegetables.

Estet-portal, realizing that our person is the last to seek medical help, warns of the danger of appendicitis for life and urges not to ignore the possible symptoms of inflammation of the appendix in any case, so as not to endanger one's life.

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