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Appendicitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Cost

Last Updated: Sep 30, 2023

What is Appendicitis?

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Appendicitis is a painful medical condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus. The appendix is filled with pus, a fluid consisting of dead cells and inflammatory tissue that frequently results from an infection. On the bottom right side of the abdomen, the big intestine is joined by a tiny, finger-shaped pouch called the appendix.

How Common is Appendicitis?

The most frequent cause of acute abdominal pain requiring surgery worldwide is appendicitis. 5 to 9 people out of every 100 experience appendicitis at a certain point. Anyone can have appendicitis, although individuals between the ages of 10 and 30 are the ones who get it the most frequently.

What happens if the appendix ruptures?

If you have gallstones and your doctor decides you need surgery to remove your gallbladder or the stones, the prognosis is typically good. Most times when stones are removed, they don't come back.

You and your doctor will need to keep an eye on your progress if you decide against having surgery and instead choose to take medicine to dissolve the stones.

If your gallstones aren't causing any symptoms, you generally won't need to do anything. However, you might wish to alter your way of living to stop them from escalating and becoming a problem.

You can find the best surgeons in the country at Pristyn Care for your gallstones treatment. So, if you see any signs and symptoms of gallstones, immediately book your appointment and visit your doctor at Pristyn Care. They would try to help you out in every possible way.

What does appendicitis pain feel like?

Lower abdominal pain that suddenly strikes and originates on the right side. Unexpected soreness that often spreads to your lower right abdomen begins close to your navel. The discomfort gets worse when you cough, walk, or do other jarring motions. Additionally, nausea and vomiting may occur.

The area of your discomfort may fluctuate based on your age and where your appendix is located. During pregnancy, your appendix is higher, so the discomfort may feel like it started in your upper belly.

Types of Appendicitis

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According to the time of onset, there are two forms of appendicitis, which are:

  • Acute appendicitis: This condition manifests itself within a few days to hours and necessitates immediate medical attention or surgery.
  • Chronic appendicitis: Appendicitis that is chronic means that the inflammation lasts a very long time. It is a rare illness.

Additionally, based on the difficulties:

  • Simple appendicitis – Complication-free cases.
  • Appendix rupture or abscess are common consequences in cases of complex appendicitis.

Acute Appendicitis

A severe and sudden bout of appendicitis is referred to as acute. Between the ages of 10 and 30, children and young adults are the groups most likely to experience it, and males experience it more frequently than females. Over the course of a day, pain frequently starts out mild and quickly gets worse.

It needs emergency medical attention. It can result in the rupture of your appendix if untreated. This problem has the capacity to be fatal.

About 7 to 9 percent of people may experience acute appendicitis in their lives, which is more prevalent than chronic appendicitis.

Chronic appendicitis

Less frequently than acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis. Only 1.5% of persons who have already experienced chronic appendicitis experience it.

The symptoms of chronic appendicitis might be somewhat modest and are generally assumed to follow an episode of acute appendicitis. A few weeks, months, or even years may pass before symptoms disappear and then resume.

The diagnosis of this kind of appendicitis might be difficult. Occasionally, it doesn't get diagnosed until it turns into acute appendicitis. Persistent appendicitis can be deadly.

What are the signs or symptoms of appendicitis?

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Symptoms of appendicitis include:

  • A sudden right-sided lower abdomen pain.
  • Unexpected soreness that often radiates to your lower right abdomen from the area around your navel
  • Pain that gets worse when you cough, move jarringly, or in other ways
  • Nausea and Diarrhea
  • Reduced Appetite
  • Low-grade fever that could get worse when the disease gets worse
  • Bloating
  • Flatulence

What are the early warning signs of appendicitis?

The sole signs and symptoms of early appendicitis are frequently a general sentiment of being sick and nausea and vomiting. There might not even be a stomach ache. However, when the appendicitis gets worse, abdominal pain becomes the primary symptom.

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What causes Appendicitis?

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It's unclear what causes appendicitis to develop. Your appendix becomes infected or becomes irritated, resulting in welling and pain. Possible causes include:

  • Damage or harm to the abdomen.
  • Obstruction at the point where the appendix and intestines converge.
  • Intestinal infection.
  • Inflammation of the colon.
  • Inside-the-appendix growths

How can you prevent Appendicitis?

Appendicitis cannot currently be prevented. For instance, scientists have not discovered that a particular diet might cause appendicitis. Although specialists are baffled as to why, eating a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables may be beneficial. Additionally, your doctor could advise you to take a fibre supplement.

Dos in Appendicitis

Listed here are some dos that you should follow while appendicitis:

  • To cleanse the lower colon, low enemas should be given every day for the first three days. Each one should have about a pint (half a litre) of warm water in it.
  • The sore area may be covered with hot compresses many times per day.
  • It is advisable to use abdominal packs on a regular basis until all clinical signs have subsided. These packs consist of a strip of wet sheet folded in a dry flannel cloth and bonded tightly around the abdomen.
  • After ingesting fruit juices for three days, the patient may move to an all-fruit diet for the subsequent four or five days. Fresh, juicy fruits should be consumed at each of these three meals during this time.
  • Regular fenugreek seed tea use has also been beneficial. In avoiding the appendix acting as a holding area for surplus mucus and intestinal waste.

Don’ts in Appendicitis

Listed here are some don’ts that you should follow while appendicitis:

  • As because fatty, fried foods can aggravate the digestive tract. Avoid having them.
  • Alcohol damages the liver, which has an impact on digestion.
  • Red meat is high in fat and challenging to digest.
  • Cakes, pastries, and other sweets with excessive sugar should be avoided.

Those who are most susceptible to appendicitis?

Appendicitis can afflict anyone at any age, however it typically affects individuals in their adolescent and early 20s. The tween or adolescent years are when appendicitis in children most frequently occurs. However, kids in elementary school can get appendicitis.

Appendicitis - Diagnosis and Tests

The initial steps in diagnosing appendicitis are a thorough history and physical examination. When the doctor pushes in the right lower abdomen, the patient usually has moderate to severe soreness and frequently has a high body temperature. If the inflammation has impacted the peritoneum, there will often be rebound discomfort. Rebound pain comes when the doctor softly presses on the abdomen over the soreness; this discomfort increases when the doctor abruptly releases his or her hand. It results from the peritoneum's abrupt rebound after being deformed by finger pressure.

How is Appendicitis diagnosed?

A physician will evaluate the patient and inquire about their symptoms. In order to determine whether pressure makes the discomfort worse, the doctor may apply pressure to the lower abdomen region.

The doctor will diagnose appendicitis if they notice the common symptoms and indicators of the condition. They will request additional tests if not. Testing might involve:

  • Tests on blood to look for infections
  • An MRI, CT, or ultrasound to check on the health of the appendix.
  • Tests for kidney or bladder infections using urine

What tests are done for Appendicitis?

The diagnosis of appendicitis is made using the procedures and tests listed below:

  • Physical examination to evaluate your pain Your doctor might gently touch on the sore spot. When pressure is suddenly released, appendicitis pain frequently worsens, a sign that the peritoneum in the area is agitated.
  • Your doctor may also check for abdominal tightness and a propensity for your abdominal muscles to become rigid in reaction to pressure placed on the inflamed appendix (guarding).
  • Your doctor might use a lubricated, gloved finger to examine your lower rectum (digital rectal exam). A pelvic examination may be provided to women of childbearing age to look for any gynaecological issues that might be the source of the pain.
  • A blood test- As a result, your doctor can examine your white blood cell count to look for signs of infection.
  • A urine test- Your doctor may advise you to have a urinalysis to make sure that a kidney infection or a urinary tract infection aren't the cause of your pain.
  • Imaging exams- Your doctor may also suggest an abdomen X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, positron emission tomography (CT) scan, or functional MRI imaging to help rule out other potential causes of your pain (MRI).

How can you perform a home test for appendicitis?

Here are some appendicitis symptoms you can look out for at home:

  • Right lower abdominal ache or a lower-level nasolabial pain. Usually, this is the first indication.
  • Reduced appetite
  • Soon after the onset of stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
  • Bloated abdomen
  • 99-102 F Fever
  • Unable to pass gas
  • Anywhere in your upper or lower tummy, back, or behind you may feel dull or intense discomfort.
  • Difficult or painful to urinate
  • Vomiting before experiencing stomach pain
  • Painful cramps
  • Diarrhea or constipation with gas

What potential side effects could an appendicitis have?

A deteriorating appendix may explode if it is not addressed. An infection brought on by a ruptured appendix can result in life-threatening conditions and even death. Ones complications are:

  • Abscess: You might get an infected pus pocket or an appendicular abscess. Your abdomen will receive drainage tubes from your healthcare professional. Before surgery, these tubes drain the abscess of fluid. The drainage procedure could require a week or longer. You take antibiotics throughout this time to fend off illness. Your appendix will be surgically removed following the removal of the abscess.
  • Infection of the abdomen: If peritonitis spreads across the abdomen, it may be fatal. The ruptured appendix is removed via abdominal surgery (laparotomy), and the infection is also treated.
  • Sepsis: Your bloodstream could become infected by bacteria from a burst appendix. If it does, sepsis, a dangerous illness, may result. Many of your organs become severely inflamed as a result of sepsis. It might end fatally. Strong antibiotics must be used in a hospital setting to treat it.

Home remedies for Appendicitis

There are no home remedies for appendicitis. You will need to have your appendix surgically removed if you are identified with it. However, while you wait for the day of surgery day arrive, you can follow these measures-

  • A good night's sleep
  • Get plenty of water.
  • Every day, go for a little stroll
  • Until your doctor deems it safe to do so, refrain from engaging in intense activity and carrying heavy objects.
  • Keep the areas where you had surgery clean and dry.

Your doctor could advise you to change your diet in particular circumstances. Eating bland things like toast and plain rice may help if you're feeling nauseated after surgery. A fibre supplement may be helpful if you have constipation.

What to eat in Appendicitis?

  • Beverage: Coconut water, carrot juice, beetroot juice, cucumber juice, herbal tea, green tea
  • Dairy product: Buttermilk, low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt, tofu
  • Nuts: Pumpkin seeds, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, date, raisins
  • Oils: Olive oil, coconut oil
  • Spices: Fenugreek, ginger, carom, cumin, coriander, mint
  • Legumes: Green gram, lentils, sprouts, yellow lentils, green lentils, chickpeas
  • Grains: Wheat porridge, white rice, rawa porridge, barley, oats, bread
  • Vegetables: Bottle gourd, Carrot, ladyfinger,, snake gourd, beetroot, cucumber, potatoes, capsicum, cauliflower, squashes, green leafy vegetables, kale, spinach, cabbage, beetroot
  • Fruits: Apple, avocado, amla, apricots, banana, orange, lime, strawberries, papaya, muskmelon, guava, kiwi, pineapple, mango, blueberries, peaches

What not to eat in Appendicitis?

  • Beverage: Alcohol, carbonated drinks, canned fruit, coffee, juices, tea
  • Dairy product: Whole milk, cheese, ice-cream, butter
  • Nuts: Pistachios
  • Spices: Pepper, salt, oregano, chilli
  • Legumes: Kidney bean, black gram
  • Grains: White flour, pasta, macaroni
  • Vegetables: Beans, broccoli, beetroot, cabbage, cruciferous vegetables, packaged vegetables leafy vegetables, kale, spinach
  • Fruits: Packaged or canned fruits

Appendicitis Treatment

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Once appendicitis has been definitively diagnosed, an appendectomy—a surgical procedure to remove the appendix—is typically carried out. Antibiotics are normally started as soon as appendicitis is detected and before surgery. Recently, it has been claimed that antibiotics alone are sufficient in cases of lesser inflammation and no problems.

There are a few patients whose appendix inflammation and infection remain moderate and limited to a small area. The body has the capacity to both stops the infection and inflammation as well as to contain them. Most of the time, these individuals are not seriously unwell and get better after a few days of observation. The term ""limited appendicitis"" refers to this type of appendicitis, which can be treated with just antibiotics. Later, the appendix might or might not be taken out. However, since appendicitis might recur, there is still considerable debate regarding whether or not to leave the repaired appendix in place.

Sometimes, a patient won't go to the doctor until they have appendicitis with rupture for several days or even weeks. In this case, where an abscess usually forms, the appendiceal perforation may have healed.

Although an abscess typically requires drainage, it can initially be treated with antibiotics if it is a minor abscess. With the use of an ultrasound or CT scan that may pinpoint the exact position of the abscess, a drain (a thin plastic or rubber tube) is typically placed through the skin and into the infection.

The drain enables the abscess' pus to drain from the body. The appendix may be removed a few weeks or months after the abscess has recovered. An interval appendectomy is performed in order to avoid developing appendicitis again.

Which doctor to consult for Appendicitis?

For appendicitis, a physician or general surgeon is typically visited initially. Because of the excruciating agony that goes along with the disease, emergency room visits are fairly prevalent.

When should I get medical attention?

If you simply received antibiotic therapy, contact your doctor right away if you get any new appendicitis symptoms. In addition, if while recuperating from appendectomy surgery you encounter any of the following:

  • Constipation.
  • Fever.
  • Surgical site (incision) infection, characterised by swelling, redness, or yellow pus.
  • Severe abdominal ache in the bottom right.

If you face any of the above mentioned signs, then visit and book your appointment with the best doctors in Pristyn Care. They will be there for your diagnosis and treatment.

Appendicitis Treatment without surgery

For Appendicitis, it is necessary to go through surgery. Because other means of treatment may only temporarily alleviate pain. Antibiotics are given to anyone who may have appendicitis before surgery. With antibiotic treatment, some patients may get better and avoid surgery.

Appendicitis in some mild cases may only require antibiotic treatment. Surgery is still the standard of therapy, but researchers are looking into who might safely postpone it depending on their symptoms, test results, health, and age.

Which are the best medicines for Appendicitis?

Appendicitis cannot be treated with medicines, but after the surgery, your doctor might prescribe you some effective medicines for preventing infections. In particular, Cefotan (Cefotetan) and cefotaxime (Claforan, Mefoxin), two antibiotics used to treat appendicitis, aid in preventing wound infections following surgery.

Common antibiotics for appendicitis include:

Your doctor will probably recommend an intravenous (IV) antibiotic to cure any recurrent abdominal infections, such as peritonitis, a dangerous condition of the peritoneum membrane lining your abdominal cavity, after extracting your appendix in the event of a ruptured appendix.

What are the surgical treatments for Appendicitis?

Appendicitis treatments include:

Laparoscopy

This is a precise procedure that only requires a little incision and little blood loss. As a result, there is less scarring and the recovery period is shorter than with open surgery. Laparoscopic, keyhole, or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) involves the steps listed below:

  • The surgeon uses a laparoscope—a very thin tube with a tiny video camera and light—into the abdomen through a hollow tool known as a cannula.
  • On a monitor, the surgeon can see a magnified image of the abdomen.
  • Small abdominal incisions are used to remove the appendix, which is done with the aid of tiny instruments that are controlled by the surgeon's hands.

Open surgery:

In extremely rare circumstances, a wider incision will be made to allow for thorough cleaning of the abdominal cavity.

  • This will occur if the appendix has burst and the infection has migrated.
  • The abscess was brought on by the appendix.
  • The patient has digestive system tumours.
  • Nine months pregnant, the patient is a female.
  • The patient has undergone numerous abdominal procedures.

The patient will get intravenous antibiotics following open surgery.

What is the procedure of Appendicitis surgery?

  • A two to three inch long incision is made over the location of the appendix during an appendectomy through the skin and layers of the abdominal wall.
  • The surgeon enters the belly and performs the examination there since the appendix is usually found in the right lower abdomen.
  • The appendix is removed after thoroughly inspecting the area in and around it to rule out the presence of any other issues. This is accomplished by cutting the appendix free from the colon's mesenteric attachment, sewing over the colon's hole, and then reattaching the appendix. If an abscess is present, drains that come from the abscess can release pus through the skin.
  • Next, the abdominal incision is stitched up.

The laparoscope is being used in new ways to remove the appendix. The surgeon can examine the abdomen's interior with the laparoscope, a miniature telescope with a video camera attached, through a tiny puncture cut (instead of a larger incision). If appendicitis is discovered, the appendix can be removed using specialised equipment that, like the laparoscope, can be inserted into the abdomen through tiny puncture incisions.

Less post-operative discomfort (because a large portion of post-surgery pain is caused by the incisions) and a quicker return to normal activities are two advantages of the laparoscopic procedure. In cases where the diagnosis of appendicitis is uncertain, laparoscopy gives the surgeon the opportunity to examine the belly and make a precise diagnosis. Laparoscopy, for instance, is particularly beneficial for menstrual women since an ovarian cyst rupture can mimic an appendicitis.

How long does it take to recover from Appendicitis?

The speed of recovery following an appendectomy depends on how bad the inflammation was. If the inflammation is mild, the healing process can take a few days to a week. Recovery could take many weeks if there was more severe inflammation, such as an abscess or localised appendix perforation. Even more, time may be needed if the appendix spontaneously ruptures into the peritoneal cavity (abdomen). Laparoscopic surgery has replaced "open" surgery, which has resulted in a significantly quicker recovery.

What is the price of Appendicitis treatments in India?

Compared to laparoscopy, an open appendectomy requires a longer hospital stay of several days. This explains why the cost of the entire procedure has increased. However, the typical cost of the course of treatment is roughly Rs. 40000, if not much more.

Are the Appendicitis treatment's effects long-lasting?

Most of the time, these treatments have permanent results because there is little likelihood of recurrence.

Who is eligible for the Appendicitis treatment?

Appendicitis is an emergency appendix ailment characterised by excruciating pain radiating to the surrounding area from the lower right corner of the abdomen. The discomfort comes on quickly and lasts for a while. So, everyone affected by Appendicitis can opt for treatment.

Who is not qualified for the Appendicitis treatment?

As it is an emergency appendix ailement, no one is ineligible for appendicitis treatment.

What are the post-treatment guidelines Appendicitis treatment?

The following are some crucial post-treatment recommendations that must be followed in cases of appendicitis:

  • After surgery, the prevention of wound infection through good hygiene practices.
  • Putting steps in place to stop bowel irregularities.
  • Taking precautions to reduce the possibility of harm or damage to any nearby organs.
  • Preventative steps that are appropriate and sufficient to avoid abdominal inflammation and the presence of redness in the afflicted area.

What are side-effects of Appendicitis treatments?

The side-effects occur in very rare cases and do not occur at all if the surgery has been done by a good surgeon. The benefits of the surgery outweigh the rare side-effects it may cause. However, this surgery may have a few unavoidable difficulties in the form of side effects. Here are a few examples:

  • Bleeding that may be excessive or typical.
  • Infection following surgery on the wound.
  • Bowel movements that are irregular.
  • Any organs nearby that have been injured or damaged.
  • Abdominal inflammation and the appearance of redness together

If you face any side-effects above mentioned then you can visit and make your appointment for the best surgeons in the country at Pristyn Care. They will guide you through the whole procedure and help you out in every possible way.

Appendicitis - Outlook/Prognosis

Your general health, whether you experience complications from appendicitis or surgery, and your recovery period from appendicitis will all affect your prognosis and your particular course of treatment.

If you undergo laparoscopic surgery to remove your appendix, you might be allowed to leave the hospital the same day or a few hours later.

You'll probably need more recovery time in the hospital if you have open surgery. Compared to laparoscopic surgery, open surgery is more intrusive and often needs more after care.

Your healthcare provider can teach you how to take care of your incision areas before you leave the hospital. To aid in your rehabilitation, they might advise antibiotics or painkillers. They can also suggest that you alter your diet, stay away from physically demanding activities, or change other aspects of your normal routine while you recover.

The recovery process following your appendicitis and surgery could take a few weeks. Your recovery could take longer if issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can appendicitis pain be intermittent?

The common first sign of appendicitis is an abdominal discomfort that may come and go. Your lower right side, where the appendix is typically located, starts to experience discomfort within a few hours, and it quickly worsens and becomes constant. Walking, coughing, or applying pressure to this area may exacerbate the pain.

Is appendicitis dangerous?

An urgent medical situation is appendicitis. It's likely that the appendix may rupture and result in a major infection that will kill. Because of this, virtually always, your doctor will suggest that you have your appendix surgically removed.

How to check for appendicitis at home?

There is a possibility that you may develop appendicitis if you have these symptoms frequently:
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting.
  • Pain and irritation in the affected region.
  • Fatigue.
  • Feeling tired and weak.
When a person is experiencing the early stages of any disease, these symptoms are frequently present. These are simple to recognise, and a self-diagnosis can be completed at home with ease.

What causes appendicitis in a child?

An obstruction of the appendix brought on by hard mucus or stools, or enlargement brought on by a virus, results in appendicitis. The appendix swells and becomes inflamed due to the occlusion. The appendix can rupture (perforate), releasing its contents into the belly and further spreading the infection if the swelling and infection are not addressed. The most frequent reason for urgent abdominal surgery in children is appendicitis. Although appendicitis can strike anyone at any age, it more usually strikes school-age children and infrequently strikes infants under the age of one.

Why does appendicitis occur?

When the appendix's interior is blocked, appendicitis results. Any number of gastrointestinal tract infections, including those brought on by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, can result in appendicitis. A blockage or obstruction of the tube connecting your large intestine and appendix may also result in this condition.

Can you get appendicitis more than once?

Recurrent appendicitis may be overlooked or delayed due to an unusual presentation or past antibiotic therapy, which may result in the infection's remission. Serious complications include perforation, the development of an abscess, and peritonitis might result from a missed diagnosis.

Does appendicitis make you pee a lot?

Yes, it does.

When should someone with stomach pain see the hospital?

Visit the nearest emergency room right away if your stomach is sore to the touch, your abdominal discomfort is severe and unrelenting, or if it radiates to your back.

References

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Written ByDr. C.S. Ramachandran DNB (General Surgery),FICS,MBBS,MS - General Surgery,FCCP (USA)General Surgery
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