What is Appendix?

It is a small narrow, finger-shared portion. It is part of the large intestine. Normally this is situated in the small and large intestines. You can also say that it is situated on the right side of the abdomen.

Appendicitis:

Sudden inflammation of the appendix is called appendicitis. The appendix does not do any work for the body, but it can start working against the body and if untreated it can burst, causing infection and could be life-threatening. Appendicitis is a medical emergency and usually requires surgery as soon as possible.

Cause of Appendicitis?

This problem starts when the interior of the appendix becomes filled with something. This further triggers swelling, such as mucus, bacteria, hard stool, or parasites.

Then the appendix becomes inflamed and irritated. The appendix may get open allowing stool, mucus, and other substances to leak through and enter the abdomen, which can cause acute infection of the abdomen.

The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Pain in your lower right belly or pain near your navel that moves lower. This is usually the first sign.
• Swollen belly
• Fever 99-102 F
• Can’t pass gas
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea & vomiting soon after belly pain begins
• Dull or sharp pain anywhere in your upper or lower belly, back, or rear end
• Painful or difficult peeing
• Vomiting before your belly pain starts
• Severe cramps
• Constipation or diarrhea with gas

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

A surgeon can diagnose on the basis of the symptom. Your doctor may prescribe some tests like ultrasound.

These are the test that can help diagnose appendicitis:

• Examination of your abdomen to look for inflammation
• Urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection
• Rectal exam
• Blood test to see whether your body is fighting an infection
• CT scans
• Ultrasound