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Appendix is the thin tabular pouch which is linked with the intestines. As the appendix gets blocked, this leads to its inflammation, which is called appendicitis. In case this blockage continues, the bacteria may infect the tissue that has been inflamed, which starts decaying due to insufficient blood supply that finally may lead the appendix to burst. This complicated condition is referred to as perforated appendix.

Appendicitis is found in almost 7% of the total American population. People in second or third decade of their life are usually affected by this problem but this may occur in people of any age group. In some rare cases, patients may also suffer from prenatal and neonatal appendicitis.

Causes of appendicitis

Though no specific cause of appendicitis can be pointed out but fecal material is believed to be an object causing obstruction. Parasites, fungi, bacteria and viruses may also be possible infection-causing agents that causes the tissues of appendix wall to swell that includes adenovirus, yersinia species, actinomycosis, cytomegalovirus, pinworms, histoplasma species and mycobacteria species.

Nonetheless, swelling in the tissue may also be due to Crohn’s disease, which is an inflammatory bowel condition that may lead to appendicitis. It is believed that appendicitis is not transmittable from one to another nor is it hereditary.

Appendicitis symptoms

Abdominal pain is the primary symptom of appendicitis. The pain is normally diffused and patients are generally unable to point out any particular area that is paining, instead most of them usually pinpoint at the central area of the abdomen.

Little or no appetite is another noticeable symptom of this disease that may cause nausea or vomiting in the later stages because of intestinal obstruction. As the inflammation in the appendix increases, it extends to the outer covering of the appendix and further to the abdomen lining called peritoneum. As the thin membrane peritoneum gets inflamed, the pain can then be confined to a small area. Usually, this area lies between belly button and the bone of the right hip of the patient. This pain may get diffused once again as the appendix bursts, causing the infection to spread to the abdomen resulting in the inflamed abdomen lining.

When to look for medical attention?

If you notice any acute symptoms of abdominal pain along with vomiting or fever, you can consult the doctor. However, in case abdominal pain symptoms continue for over four hours, it is essential to seek urgent medical attention.

Tests and exams
The count of white blood cells of the person is checked and he/she may also be required to get the urine tests done. Apart from this, CT scan of pelvis and abdomen can be performed. Last but not least, some doctors may also suggest ultrasound scanning as well.

At home treatments

There are no at-home treatments available for appendicitis. It is better to avoid eating or drinking anything if appendicitis is suspected because it may cause delay or complication in the surgery. Antibiotics, pain medications and laxatives should not be taken as this increase the chances of rupture of the abdomen and may make the diagnosis quite a difficult task.

Surgery for the removal of appendix is the best treatment available for appendicitis. So, a physician should be consulted without any delay if any associated symptoms are observed for the timely treatment before the appendix bursts.