Summary about Appendicitis in English
Marham enlists the best doctors for appendicitis in Pakistan. Book an appointment or online consultation with a doctor for appendicitis treatment in Pakistan. Consult the most experienced appendicitis specialist based on their qualifications, patient reviews, location, and fees.
What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a medical condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and swollen, causing severe pain and discomfort in the lower right part of the abdomen. It is caused by multiple factors including infection, abdominal injury, or certain medications.
Appendicitis affects people of all ages and the exact cause of it is still unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by blockage or infection of the appendix. Immediate medical attention is important to treat appendicitis, as untreated cases can rupture the appendix and become life-threatening.
Causes of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is caused by a number of reasons including;
Bacterial infection, especially caused by Escherichia coli or Bacteroides fragilis in the appendix
Abdominal injury which causes the appendix to rupture
Obstructions caused by fecal matter, foreign bodies, tumors, or lymphoid tissue swelling obstructing the appendix
Certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis
Symptoms of Appendicitis
Although the symptoms of appendicitis can be different for each person. There are some common signs that all patients experience, including:
Abdominal pain that begins around the navel and shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen
Tenderness in the lower right side of the abdomen, which worsen during coughing
Abdominal swelling due to the accumulation of mucus and fluid in the appendix
Constipation or diarrhea due to the blockage in the appendix
Fever and chills that might be mild or severe
Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
Diagnosis of Appendicitis
Soon the symptoms of appendicitis appear, and the doctors diagnose the appendicitis with these techniques and procedures:
Physical examination for the signs of tenderness, inflammation, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting
Blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC) or C-reactive protein (CRP)
Urine tests to detect the possible causes of abdominal pain
Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Laparoscopy for the close examination of the appendix and surrounding area
Classification of Appendicitis
Depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease, appendicitis is classified into the following types:
Acute appendicitis — the most common form of appendicitis that occurs due to the infection and inflammation of the appendix.
Chronic appendicitis — a less common type of appendicitis that occurs due to prolonged infection and inflammation of the appendix.
Gangrenous appendicitis — occurs when the inflammation of the appendix cuts off the blood supply, leading to the formation of pus and abscesses in the abdomen.
Perforated appendicitis — occurs when the appendix bursts or ruptures, causing its content to spill into the abdominal cavity.
Early diagnosis of any of these types of appendicitis leads to an early cure and less damage to the body.
Treatment of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is only treated with a surgical procedure, also known as appendectomy. In very few cases, antibiotics can treat the infection, but appendectomy is usually recommended to prevent the appendix from rupturing. Two types of appendectomy include;
Open appendectomy — a traditional surgical procedure in which a single incision is made in the lower right side of the abdomen, and the appendix is removed.
Laparoscopic appendectomy — a minimally invasive procedure in which several small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a thin tube with a camera is inserted to guide the removal of the appendix.
Both procedures are generally safe and effective, and most people can go home the same day or the day after surgery.
Risks factors of Appendicitis
Some risk factors that cause appendicitis might include:
Age: Appendicitis can occur at any age, but is more common in people between the ages of 10 and 30 years.
Genetics: Appendicitis might occur in people with a family history of appendicitis.
Digestive issues: This disease can develop in people with digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease
Pregnant women: Pregnant women are prone to appendicitis due to changes in the digestive system
Prevention of Appendicitis
Since the exact cause of appendicitis is unknown, no exact preventive measure can be used. However, certain lifestyle changes and habits can lower the risk of developing appendicitis including;
Maintain good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and utensils to prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause appendicitis
Add healthy foods such as high-fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fruit juices
Exercise regularly to keep the immune system stronger
Book an appointment with the top appendix specialist in Pakistan through Marham. The appendicitis surgeons in Pakistan are listed based on their qualifications, location, and fee. You can also book an online consultation with an appendicitis doctor to discuss your symptoms.