Complaining about incessant stomach or abdomen pain? If yes, then better get it checked out by a doctor right away. For unknown to you, you may be suffering from appendicitis. One of the most discreet diseases to point out, appendicitis would to many individuals appear as just another normal stomach ache at first. It is only when the stomach ache worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms that they begin to realize the severity of the issue.
And while appendicitis may be characterized by a few general symptoms, it is generally hard to make a diagnosis based on the same. So here’s a piece of information that would help you find out about appendicitis, how it affects the human body and how it can be differentiated from a normal stomach in time to seek medical attention.
Appendicitis Basics
Located near the bottom right side of the abdomen is a small organ called the appendix. Resembling a small finger in shape and size, the organ is attached to the large intestine via an opening, while the inside of the organ is sealed up. The problem arises when the opening that connects the appendix and the large intestine gets blocked. When this happens, the appendix starts swelling up and causes extreme discomfort and pain. Added to this is the bacterial infection that spreads quickly through the swollen organ. If not treated properly, the swollen appendix would rupture and cause the infection to spread to other parts of the body, thus causing a bevy of health related issues.
Symptoms You Need To Look Out For
Appendicitis might resemble a run of the mill stomach ache at first. However, if you find yourself contracting other symptoms like mild fever, a bloated abdomen, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, constipation, frequent urination, diarrhea with mucus, and extreme pain in the lower right hand region of the belly (including the belly button), seek medical attention immediately.
Medical Diagnosis Of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is usually diagnosed based on the results of blood, urine, X-Ray (chest and abdomen), and CAT reports. A bloated abdomen may not necessarily be caused by appendicitis and it would take a qualified professional to either rule out or confirm the issue.
Course Of Treatment
Appendicitis cannot be prevented but can be controlled and treated with appropriate medications and treatments. Usually after a confirmed diagnosis, the first step of action would be to remove the appendix from the body via a surgical procedure called an appendectomy.
The procedure involves making a small incision right above the affected area in the lower abdomen and then using a device called the laparoscope to create a small opening and remove the inflamed organ.
Being a surgical procedure, an appendectomy would require the patient to remain in hospitalized for about 2-3 days during which he/she would be administered antibiotics and IV fluids to minimize the chances of the infection spreading to other parts of the body and to also speed up the recovery process.
In case the appendix has already ruptured, the individual would need to stay in the hospital for a couple of more days during which he/she would be regularly tested to make sure that the infection arising from the inflamed organ does not spread to the other parts of the body.
