Appendicitis - How Can You Get It Treated?
Even Roald Dahl faked having appendicitis in his famous book, but, what exactly is appendicitis? Wouldn’t it be a little interesting to find out what are its causes and treatment?
Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix swells up. Appendix is a small tubular organ attached to our caecum and is about three and a half inches in length. The appendix does not have any known function and is considered a vestigeal organ. Hence, its removal does not cause any digestive problems.
While the appendix does not serve any properly defined function, appendicitis is not to be ignored. In fact, if there is a rupture of the appendix, it can cause severe infection and sepsis and can land a person in the ICU.
So, what is the cause of appendicitis?
Simply said, when the appendix gets blocked, the result is appendicitis.
What blocks it?
Well, it could be fecal matter, worms or sometimes cancer! Its blockage results in swelling and infection. In a small minority of cases, very strong antibiotics are used to treat it. However, surgery to remove the appendix is needed in most cases.
As a matter of fact, it is treated as an emergency and the doctors go ahead and start the treatment as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of rupture of the appendix. Nowadays, with laparoscopic surgery, the recovery is very quick and the person returns to work in just 3-4 days.
Laparoscopy is done using small keyhole cuts on the body and so pain is very less and patients are encouraged to get back to routine activities quickly. Thus, appendicitis has become an easily treatable problem. But it is important to consult a doctor early and thus have a quick recovery.
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