The appendix in humans is a vestigial organ - it has no actual use or function. Primarily used to digest leaves in primates (as studies show), this organ lost its function gradually through the process of evolution. The appendix, though, is prone to appendicitis and appendix cancer. Appendicitis is characterized by acute pain in the abdominal region, something that you're not likely to miss. This condition should be immediately diagnosed and treated in order to avoid complications.
The Causes of Appendicitis - Behind the Pain
There is an underlying cause which leads to inflammation in the appendix. When the inner part of the appendix gets blocked, it causes appendicitis. The inner part of the appendix is known as lumen. The blockage causes increased pressure, brings about inflammation and disrupted flow of blood. It is very necessary to treat the blockage, as otherwise this may cause gangrene and lead to rupture of the appendix.
The most common cause of such a blockage is the intrusion of feces. However, viral and bacterial infections in the digestive tract can also cause the lymph nodes to swell and this further squeezes the appendix and causes hindrance. Lymphoid hyperplasia is the medical term used to define swelling of the lymph nodes. In rare cases, the cause of appendicitis may be linked to traumatic injury in the abdomen.
Appendicitis may also be caused due to genetic reasons. This happens when most members in a family suffer from appendicitis and the disease is passed on to the offspring.
Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis - The Danger Signals
A physician may be able to detect the disease by taking some common signs or symptoms, which the patient displays, into account. These include:
- Abdominal Pain: The most common sign of appendicitis is severe pain in the abdomen. The person first experiences pain around the belly button and then gradually the pain shifts to the lower right area of the abdomen.
- Loss of Appetite: Appendicitis can cause loss of appetite, which is also a common symptom.
- Other Symptoms: Nausea and dizziness, diarrhea and constipation are other contrasting symptoms of appendicitis.
- Accumulation of Gas: The inability to pass gas during appendicitis leads to accumulation of gas in the stomach.
- Fever: Along with the other symptoms, the person may feel feverish or display signs of low fever.
- Abdominal Swelling: This is a common symptom, as the affected region in the abdomen will visibly swell, which is the most conclusive symptom.
You should remember that a person need not display all the signs and symptoms which are mentioned above. The symptoms may vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the disease. However, the only sign that's most common during this ailment is pain.
What Not To Do To Ease the Pain
The pain normally intensifies to such extremes that the affected person will face difficulty in moving, coughing, squeezing, or taking deep breaths. The abdominal area becomes extremely tender. Some people also have an urge to relieve their bowels, and they'll feel that a bowel movement will help them ease their discomfort. You must remember not to consume pain killers and laxatives at this time, however appealing it might seem. Instead, you should immediately rush to a qualified medical practitioner instead of trying out home remedies to get rid of the pain and discomfort in the stomach.
Special Cases in Appendicitis
Some people who may experience the classic symptoms of appendicitis include:
- People who consume steroids
- Recipients of organ transplants
- HIV patients
- Diabetic patients
- People afflicted with cancer or those undergoing chemotherapy
- People who are obese
As they may not display any specific signs, they need to consult a doctor to diagnose the presence of this ailment.
Other Categories Where Diagnosis Becomes Difficult
Other than the above six categories of people, pregnant women, young children, elderly people, and infants may have their own set of issues and may experience different symptoms for appendicitis.
- Pregnant Women: During pregnancy, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain are extremely common and these signs need not point towards appendicitis. Doctors need to conduct medical tests to diagnose whether appendicitis is the cause of the above signs.
- Children: For some toddlers, appendicitis may cause loss of appetite and drowsiness. Children may suffer from constipation and at the same time produce stools displaying mucus. There are varied signs displayed by children which can point to the presence of this ailment. However, it is always recommended to consult a physician.
- Aged People: Often elderly people display a completely different set of symptoms. Most of them experience moderate to mild abdominal pain and less fever and in most cases do not understand that they are suffering from a serious problem. They end up consulting a doctor during the final stages of the disease. For this reason, elderly people should consult a doctor immediately when they feel feverish.
It is also very necessary for family members and patients to know and recognize such signs as this will help in treating the disease at an early stage and also help avoid the use of surgical procedures.
