Appendicitis
Appendicitis requires immediate medical attention, because the only way to treat it is to remove the appendix by surgery as soon as possible.If the infected appendix is not removed, it can burst and spread bacteria and infection throughout the abdomen and lead to serious health problems.
The Appendix:
The Appendix is a small finger-like organ. It is attached to the first part of the large intestine also called the colon. Its location is the lower right portion of the abdomen.Appendicitis is the most common acute surgical emergency of the abdomen.Anyone can get appendicitis but it occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30.
Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain, first around the belly button, then moving to the lower right area
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (especially small amounts, with mucus) or constipation
- Frequent urination and/or an abnormally strong urge to urinate
- Swollen or bloated abdomen, especially in infants
The symptoms of appendicitis can vary, especially in children.In kids 2 years and younger, the most common symptoms are vomiting, a bloated abdomen and pain.
Diagnosis:
- If you or your child show some of the above symptoms you should see a physician immediately.
- The doctor will do a physical examination and ask for the history of the symptoms.
- He will order blood and urine tests to look for signs of infection.
- Ultrasound of the abdomen is very helpful to substantiate the diagnosis or find other underlying conditions responsible for the symptoms (for example inflamed ovary or fallopian tubes in women).
- Rarely, a CT scan is needed if your doctor is trained in abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment:
Appendicitis is treated by removing the inflamed appendix through surgery.Surgeons remove the inflamed organ either by making a standard small incision in the right lower part of the abdomen, or they use a laparoscope that creates smaller openings.The appendix is almost always removed, even if it is found to be normal.
Any later symptoms of the abdomen will then not be attributed to appendicitis. If the inflamed appendix bursts, it must still be removed surgically. A longer hospital stay and a antiobiotic treatment may then be necessary.
Dr. Ursula Rolef
Specialist for Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology