Prescription: Appendicitis can affect people of all age groups

Every fortnight Dr Sunita Agarwal highlights a common, but often ignored, medical problem


What is appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the cecum, the beginning of the colon, on the lower right side of the abdomen.

The appendix is not essential for life, but it can become diseased. If untreated, an inflamed appendix can burst, causing infection and even death. Appendicitis can affect people at any age. It is most common in people aged 10 to 30.

What is the cause

The cause of appendicitis is usually unknown. It may occur after a viral infection in the digestive tract or when the opening connecting the large intestine and appendix is blocked. The inflammation can cause infection, a blood clot, or rupture of the appendix.

Because of the risk of rupture, appendicitis is considered an emergency. Anyone with symptoms must see a doctor immediately.

What are its symptoms

* pain in the right side of the abdomen
* nausea
* vomiting
* constipation
* diarrhoea
* inability to pass gas
* low fever that begins after other symptoms
* abdominal swelling
* anorexia

The pain usually begins near the navel and moves down and to the right. The pain becomes worse when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, and being touched in the area.

Not everyone displays all the symptoms pf appendicitis. People with symptoms of the condition should not take laxatives or enemas to relieve constipation because these medicines could cause the appendix to burst.

Painkillers could also mask symptoms that the doctor needs to know about, so it should not be used before consulting a doctor when appendicitis is suspected.

How is it diagnosed

The doctor bases an appendicitis diagnosis on symptoms, a physical exam, blood tests to check for signs of infection such as a high white blood cell count, and urine tests to rule out a urinary tract infection. Usually doctors use CT scan or ultrasound to see whether the appendix looks inflamed.

If the diagnosis of appendicitis is not certain, people with equivocal signs of appendicitis may be watched and sometimes treated with antibiotics.

People with a definite case of appendicitis have surgery to remove the appendix. This is called an appendectomy.

Doctors may use laparoscopic surgery for appen-dectomy. This technique involves making several tiny cuts in the abdomen and inserting a miniature camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon then removes the appendix with the instruments, so there is usually no need to make a large incision in the abdomen.

People can live a normal life without their appendix - changes in diet, exercise, or other lifestyle factors are not necessary.

– Dr Sunita Agarwal can be contacted on dr_Agarwal@vsnl.com or visit website www.agarwalhospitals.com