What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a common problem, but it can be frightening to experience. Here you can read about the basics of appendicitis. The appendix is an organ in your body that is about 5 centimetres long. It hangs low in the abdomen near the opening of the large intestine (the colon). The function of the appendix is not known, but doctors think that it may help protect the good bacteria in your intestines against infection by harmful bacteria, or may act as a kind of “safe house” for beneficial gut microbes if something happens that disrupts their delicate balance elsewhere in the digestive system, such as diarrhoea or food poisoning.
Symptoms of appendicitis
The symptoms usually begin as vague complaints that gradually worsen. Are you experiencing the following symptoms? Be alert, as these may indicate possible appendicitis:
- Pain that starts at or around the navel and spreads to the lower right side of the abdomen
- Rebound tenderness; in other words, pain when pressure on the abdomen is released
- Mild fever, nausea and/or vomiting
- Stomach pain that gets worse with movement or after a meal
- Pain when coughing or laughing
Cause of appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and causes abdominal pain. Appendicitis usually develops when an infection involving intestinal bacteria spreads to the inner lining of the appendix, causing it to swell like a balloon. It is not clear exactly what causes the infection. It is known, however, that appendicitis is generally more common in children and young people than in adults and older people.
Diagnosing appendicitis
Appendicitis can easily be misdiagnosed because the symptoms can sometimes closely resemble those of other intestinal conditions. Blood tests and an ultrasound can be used to determine whether the appendix is actually inflamed. If there is any doubt, an MRI or CT scan can also be performed. It is very important that appendicitis is diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. Serious complications can occur if action is not taken within 24 hours after the symptoms appear. Do you suspect that you have appendicitis? Contact your doctor immediately.
Treating appendicitis
Very occasionally, appendicitis is treated with antibiotics. In that case, surgery is not necessary. The disadvantage is that the symptoms may return. Treatment therefore usually consists of an operation in which the appendix is removed as quickly as possible. This prevents the symptoms from recurring. The operation will, however, leave a scar.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
