Symptoms of Appendicitis

Based on the experimental evidences, an acute appendicitis is considered to be end result of a primary obstruction of the appendix lumen. However, the exact cause for the appendicitis is not well understood. It is therefore believed that causes of appendicitis must be more than one factor giving rise to such condition following a particular pattern. Apart from the obstruction within the appendix, development of the ulcer (an abnormal change in body tissue accompanied by the death of the cells) within the organ.

The causes of appendicitis may include invasion of bacteria or any other microorganism. Under such circumstances, bacteria multiplies within the organ and then appendix start becoming swollen and then eventually gets filled with pus, a fluid formed in the infected tissue that contains the white blood cells and cellular debris. In some highly adverse conditions, the appendix may rupture or perforate, bringing a fatal condition to the patient.

In most of the cases, one of the most common causes of appendicitis is the blockage inside the organ generally stars a process in which, the appendix will become inflamed and infected. If this inflammation is untouched or left untreated, there are chances of getting the septic inside the organ. Causes of appendicitis especially the septic one includes long term untreated or poorly treated appendicitis. A ruptured appendix will spill bacteria-laden intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity where it causes of appendicitis will turn into most fatal condition called as peritonitis. Peritonitis is life-threatening condition that will burst the intestines and patient may even die.

The causes of appendicitis are really unknown but though many times, causes are really shocking. Apart from its normal cause in which appendix is generally blocked by stools, many times it also gets blocked by any foreign bodies and rarely even by carcinogenic cells or cancerous cells. As far as the diagnosis is concerned, physical examination, ultrasound and scanning will be very useful. Many times, blood examination (hemogram) is also carried out to know exact causes of appendicitis as in infected appendicitis, there will be increased white blood cells in the hemogram indicating serious infection. In a same way, any kind of blockage will be easily distinguished with the help of radiography in terms of X-Rays, scanning and ultrasounds.

Irrespective of the causes of appendicitis, one should be very careful about the disease. Appendicitis is to be treated as early as possible to avoid hazardous condition in future that may come if the condition is left untouched or untreated.

Quick Tip #1

Pain which starts in the area of the belly button and then slowly moves down to the lower right side of your abdomen is a classic symptom of Appendicitis. Make sure you are aware of these symptoms and contact your doctor if you have any reservations.

Quick Tip #2

If you are having these symptoms of abdominal pain for more than four hours, then you should seek an urgent medical evaluation at your doctors office immediately or you should go to your hospitals emergency department straight away