❓ What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. It is a medical emergency that usually requires surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy).
If left untreated, the appendix can burst (rupture), leading to a serious infection called peritonitis.
🔍 Causes:
- Blockage of the appendix (by stool, a foreign body, or infection)
- Bacterial overgrowth inside the blocked appendix
- Inflammation and swelling, which can cut off blood supply and cause tissue death
⚠️ Symptoms:
- Sudden pain in the lower right abdomen
- Pain starts near the belly button and moves to the right side
- Pain worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fever and chills
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
👉 In children, the elderly, and pregnant women, symptoms can be less typical.
🩺 Diagnosis:
- Physical exam (pain with pressure on lower right side)
- Blood tests (to check for infection)
- Urine test (to rule out urinary tract infection or kidney stones)
- Ultrasound or CT scan (to see the inflamed appendix)
💊 Treatment:
Main treatment:
- Surgery (appendectomy) – most common and effective
- Laparoscopic (minimally invasive)
- Open surgery (if rupture or complications)
In some mild or early cases:
- Antibiotics may be used to treat or delay surgery, especially if surgery is risky
🚨 Complications (if untreated):
- Burst appendix
- Peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining)
- Abscess (pocket of pus)
- Sepsis (life-threatening infection spread in the blood)
🛡️ Recovery Tips:
- Follow post-surgery instructions
- Rest and limit physical activity for a few weeks
- Eat light, easy-to-digest foods
- Watch for signs of infection (fever, redness, swelling, worsening pain)