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Appendicitis

Written by Robert A Wilson

Friday, 16 February 2007

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Appendicitis
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Appendicitis is an inflammation of the vermiform appendix, a small dead-end pouch of intestine in the right lower abdomen that extends from the beginning of the large intestine. The appendix has no known function. The inflammation is usually caused by an obstruction but why the obstruction occurs is uncertain. Acute appendicitis requires surgery for removal of the appendix. It is one of the most common reasons for abdominal surgery in a child. It occurs more frequently in ages 15-30 and somewhat more often in males than females. There is no prevention. Risk increases with recent illness, especially an infection of the digestive system.

Symptoms vary widely but may include:

Pain in the right lower abdomen and sometimes, in the right pelvis.
Usually once the pain starts, it does not let up and may be severe.
The pain is often worse with any movement, or any behavior that affects abdominal pressure such as coughing or sneezing.
Infants will flex the hips; older children often indicate the pain is at the navel. In young children, the attack may occur so suddenly that the first pain felt is severe, generalized abdominal pain from the appendix rupturing. (This is an emergency!)
In older children and adults, initial pain is more cramping and spasmodic and is often accompanied by constipation.
There may also be occasional vomiting, diarrhea, low fever, and eventually, abdominal swelling.
Older persons may have few or none of the typical symptoms.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )

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