What to do when you have appendicitis?

What is Appendicitis?

There are several organs in our body that are deemed as non-essential, and the appendix is one of these. It is a finger-like protrusion that is approximately three inches long which is attached to the large intestine. Although it doesn’t have any specific role, it may play a part in the immune system.

Appendicitis is when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, which may lead to further complications if it is not treated on time. It is considered a medical emergency and usually requires surgery.

What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?

Appendicitis usually has a slow onset, which may last for some hours before it escalates. Symptoms for this condition may vary depending on age and include:

Common Symptoms of Appendicitis

Abdominal pain that starts at your belly button then moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhea

Less Common Symptoms of Appendicitis

Backache or pain in your groin area
Urination may be painful or frequent
Increased gas
Swollen belly

What Causes Appendicitis?

Despite being non-essential, the appendix has microscopic features similar to those of the large intestine, which may increase the risk for infection or blockage. If fecal matter or other foreign bodies accidentally end up in the appendix, it may swell and become a fertile ground for bacteria, leading to infection.

There is no single cause of appendicitis. Several factors may increase your risk, including:

Age: Those aged between 10 and 30 years are generally more susceptible than other age groups.
Gender: Men are more likely to get appendicitis than women
Genetics: You may be more likely to get appendicitis if your family has a history of the condition.
Diseases: Conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, that cause mucus to build up can cause inflamed appendixes.
Obstruction: Blockages in the appendix, often from hard fecal matter, may cause inflammation and infection.

When to See a Doctor?

Apart from sudden and severe abdominal pain, some other symptoms indicating a medical emergency may require that you see a doctor right away, including:

Rapid heartbeat
Sweating or clammy skin
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting or a feeling of impending doom

What to Do When You Have Appendicitis?

Step 1: See a Doctor

If you or someone you know have symptoms of appendicitis, seek medical help as soon as possible. They may ask for your symptoms, your medical history, and may perform a physical examination to make a diagnosis. Based on your condition, your doctor may run some diagnostic tests like a urine or blood test, CT scan or MRI.

Step 2: Take Pain Medications

Appendicitis may cause a terrible pain that needs to be managed. Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen may help to provide temporary relief while you wait to see a doctor. Always seek medical advice before taking any over-the-counter pain medication.

Step 3: Stop Eating or Drinking

The digestive system works by moving food from the stomach down to the intestines. When the appendix inflames, food, and liquid intake may cause it to burst or explode, leading to further complications. Therefore, people with signs or symptoms of appendicitis are usually advised to stop eating and drinking anything until a medical examination can be performed.

Step 4: Surgery

Surgery is the usual way to treat Appendicitis. Based on your conditions, your surgeon may decide to treat your appendicitis using either open or laparoscopic surgery. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions before, during, and after surgery.

Recovery Timeline after Appendectomy

Recovery time may differ depending on the type of surgery performed and the age of the patient. Recovery from open appendectomy generally takes longer than that of laparoscopic appendectomy, and children generally recover at a faster rate compared to adults. Most surgical procedures last about an hour, and after your surgery, you may spend several hours in recovery.

Prevention Measures for Appendicitis

Although it is impossible to prevent all cases of appendicitis, there are several measures that you can take to decrease your risk of developing the condition, including:

Keeping good hygiene
Drinking lots of water
Eating a balanced diet
Avoiding constipation

The Takeaway

Appendicitis is a medical emergency, and surgery is the usual treatment. If you experience symptoms of appendicitis, seek medical help as soon as possible. Observe preventive measures to decrease the risk of developing appendicitis. Always take medications as prescribed by a licensed physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if you leave appendicitis untreated?

Appendicitis may lead to severe complications if it is left untreated. The appendix may rupture, releasing bacteria into the abdominal cavity, which may cause peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal lining. Peritonitis leads to sepsis, a life-threatening complication that may require intensive care.

2. Can appendicitis resolve on its own?

No. Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent further complications. In most cases, surgery is the best option for treating appendicitis.

3. Do you require bed rest after an appendectomy?

Yes. After an appendectomy, it’s crucial to get adequate rest to allow your body to heal. Most people are advised to rest for a few days, and avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how much rest you need based on your condition.

4. Can appendicitis resolve with antibiotic therapy?

Antibiotics may be used to treat mild cases of appendicitis. However, if the appendix is at risk of rupturing, it is usually recommended that you undergo surgery to remove it.