Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a sudden inflammation or swelling of the appendix. The appendix is a fingerlike organ, attached to the first part of the large bowel, also known as the colon. The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen. It appears to play a role in immune system function. However, since many other parts of the body also contribute to this task, the appendix is not vital to the body's proper functioning. Thanks to antibiotics and surgery, appendicitis is rarely fatal, but is still an emergency.

Causes

Appendicitis commonly develops when the connection between the appendix and large intestine becomes obstructed. The obstruction may be caused, among other things, by hardened stool, food remnants or a growth in the intestine. A gastrointestinal infection or inflammation can also lead to appendicitis. It typically affects people between the ages of 10 and 30.

Symptoms

Symptoms of appendicitis can vary from person to person and can also change over time. Pain is the main symptom. It starts around the navel, then descends towards the lower right part of the abdomen, becoming increasingly more severe. Over a few hours, the pain can become very severe.

The location of the pain is not necessarily the same for everyone. It changes depending on the position of the appendix. Women who are pregnant, for example, may feel the pain elsewhere. In children, the pain is not as localized, while in the elderly, the pain may not be as severe. A classic symptom of appendicitis is increased pain when pressure is applied on the abdomen close to the appendix and quickly released.

In addition to pain, other common symptoms include:

• Constipation, diarrhea or gas
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Complications

If not treated promptly, appendicitis can cause peritonitis, an infection of the membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen and the internal organs or an appendix abscess. These two conditions are extremely serious. Fever, bloating, and abdominal rigidity could worsen. Pain may lessen for a brief moment only to reappear more diffused.

Treatment

Surgery is the main treatment for appendicitis. Sometimes, antibiotics are used alone to avoid surgery, but it often becomes necessary anyway.

The operation, called appendectomy, involves removing the appendix. It is a relatively simple procedure that must be performed as soon as the diagnosis has been confirmed. Antibiotics may be prescribed before or after surgery to prevent the spread of infection. Typically, the hospital stay lasts no more than a few days.