What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an infection and inflammation caused by a blockage of the lumen of the appendix. Common causes of blockage include fecal stones (hardened stool), enlarged lymphatic tissue in the large intestine or appendix caused by infection, and tumors. The appendix can also become inflamed due to viral or bacterial infections in the digestive tract. While anyone can develop appendicitis, it most commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 30.
Symptoms of appendicitis may include pain in the right lower abdomen, pain that moves from the stomach or around the bellybutton to the right lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, constipation or diarrhea, and abdominal distension. Appendicitis can rapidly lead to serious complications, including ischemic necrosis of the appendix, perforation and rupture, abscess, paralytic ileus, peritonitis, and sepsis. Patients should receive prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of related complications.
Distinguishing Appendicitis from Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, a common gastrointestinal infection, shares very similar symptoms with appendicitis, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and bloating. This is often confused with appendicitis and causes delay in diagnosis and treatment.
If patient experiences symptoms of gastroenteritis, he/she should consult a doctor promptly for assessment and evaluation to distinguish between appendicitis and gastroenteritis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis
To diagnose appendicitis, patient needs to undergo a comprehensive evaluation consisting of clinical examination, blood analysis, and radiological scans (usually using computerized tomography scans) to establish a diagnosis.
Most patients with appendicitis are treated with laparoscopic appendectomy and intravenous antibiotics; however, patients with severe complications may require open surgery.
What happens to the body after appendectomy surgery?
There are no long-term effects in patent after appendectomy and his/her digestive system functions normally and healthily.
However, a few studies suggest that appendectomy may increase the risk of chronic enteritis and certain cancers, but there is currently no solid evidence to support this link.
Conversely, delaying appendectomy surgery can lead to serious complications and life-threatening consequences. Therefore, when it comes to appendicitis, it's best to deal with it sooner rather than later.
Bursting the myth about appendicitis, post-meal exercise and running
The root cause of appendicitis is a blockage in the appendix lumen. Exercising or running after a meal will not cause stool or food to enter the appendix lumen, therefore the myth that exercising or running after a meal can cause appendicitis is not true.
As strenuous exercise immediately after a meal may cause abdominal discomfort, cramps, or pain, it is best to avoid vigorous exercise within an hour after a meal to avoid stressing our body and disrupting the normal function of digestive system.
Do you know?
The function of appendix
The appendix is a vestigial organ whose exact function in the human body is debated, but it is thought to play a role in maintaining the gut microbiome and immune system.
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