Acute Appendicitis Information

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen. The appendix is a small pouch attached to your large intestine. It is thought that appendicitis begins when the opening from the appendix into the cecum becomes blocked. The blockage may be due to a build-up of thick mucus within the appendix or to stool that enters the appendix from the cecum. The main symptom of appendicitis is pain that typically begins around your navel and then shifts to your lower right abdomen. The pain of appendicitis usually increases over a period of six to 12 hours, and eventually may become very severe. Symptoms of acute appendicitis can be classified into two types, typical and atypical. The typical pain is usually associated with loss of appetite and fever.

Atypical symptoms may include pain beginning and staying in the right iliac fossa, diarrhea and a more prolonged. In kids who are 2 years old or younger, the most common symptoms of appendicitis are vomiting. The cause of appendicitis relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix, known as the lumen. The blockage leads to increased pressure, impaired blood flow, and inflammation. Traumatic injury to the abdomen may lead to appendicitis in a small number of people. Genetics may be a factor in others. The most serious complication of appendicitis is rupture. Infants, young children, and older adults are at highest risk. A ruptured appendix can lead to peritonitis and abscess. Peritonitis is a dangerous infection that happens when bacteria and other contents of the torn appendix leak into the abdomen.

Appendicitis is treated by removing the inflamed appendix through an appendectomy. Antibiotics given intravenously such as cefuroxime and metronidazole may be administered early to help kill bacteria. Avoid eating or drinking as this may complicate or delay surgery. If you are thirsty, you may rinse your mouth with water. Do not take (or give your child) laxatives, antibiotics, or pain medications because they may cause delay in diagnosis and risk rupture of the appendix or mask the symptoms. Preoperative antibiotics have demonstrated efficacy in decreasing postoperative wound infection. Broad-spectrum gram-negative and anaerobic coverage is indicated. Preoperative antibiotics should be given in conjunction with the surgical consultant.

Acute Appendicitis Treatment and Preventiopn Tips

1. Antibiotics almost always useful in Appendicitis.

2. Appendectomy surgery removal of the appendix.

3. Intravenous (IV) fluids decrease the risk for wound infections after surgery

4. Appendicitis is less common in people who eat foods high in fiber so eat very low.