Appendicitis is a severe medical condition where your appendix gets inflamed and cause pain and discomfort in your lower right abdomen. Although appendicitis commonly affects young people, it can happen to anyone regardless of age or gender.

If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to severe complications, including peritonitis, a life-threatening inflammation of your abdominal cavity’s lining.

Symptoms of appendicitis

Appendicitis symptoms can develop quickly and worsen rapidly. Some of the most common symptoms are:.

Abdominal pain that starts near your belly button but later shifts to the lower right abdomen
Painful swelling in your abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fever and increased body temperature
Frequent urination
Bloating and gas
Diarrhea or constipation

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Remember that ignoring these signs could lead to life-threatening situations that could have been avoided if treated early.

Causes of appendicitis

Appendicitis happens when your appendix becomes blocked by stool, debris, or inflammation from a bacterial infection. Although the underlying causes of appendicitis are often unknown, several factors can contribute to its development:.

Age – Young people between the ages of 10 and 30 are more likely to develop appendicitis
Family history – If a family member has had appendicitis, you may be at a higher risk of developing this condition
Medical conditions – Crohn’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and ulcerative colitis have been linked to increased chances of getting appendicitis
Obstruction – Blockage of the appendix from stool or other materials can lead to inflammation that causes the symptoms of appendicitis
Infection – Infection of the appendix can cause appendicitis

Diagnosis of appendicitis

Your doctor will perform several tests to diagnose appendicitis and rule out any other conditions with similar symptoms. These tests include:.

Physical Examination – Your doctor will examine your abdomen to check for any painful swelling, sensitive or rigid. Your doctor may also check for fever or any other signs of inflammation.
Blood tests – Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation in your blood.
Urinalysis – Urine tests can help your doctor rule out possible urinary tract infections or kidney stones that may have similar symptoms to appendicitis.
Imaging tests – Imaging tests like CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays can help your doctor take a closer look at your appendix and the surrounding area. These tests can help confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis.

Treatment of appendicitis

Treatment of appendicitis involves surgical removal of the inflamed appendix. Your surgeon may perform the procedure using traditional open surgery or use a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopic surgery.

This minimally invasive technique requires smaller incisions, resulting in less post-surgery pain and a quicker recovery.

Prevention of appendicitis

While no specific measures can prevent the development of appendicitis, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. These include:.

Eating a high-fiber diet to reduce the risk of blockages that can lead to inflammation
Avoiding constipation by staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet
Regularly exercising and maintaining a healthy weight

When to see a doctor

If you experience any of the signs of appendicitis, you should seek medical attention immediately. It is essential to take action as soon as possible to avoid severe complications that can result from untreated appendicitis.

Prompt medical attention can prevent rupture of the inflamed appendix.