{"id":3238,"date":"2020-11-26T08:58:40","date_gmt":"2020-11-26T08:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=3238"},"modified":"2023-04-28T06:43:44","modified_gmt":"2023-04-28T06:43:44","slug":"early-warning-signs-of-appendicitis-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/general-surgery\/early-warning-signs-of-appendicitis-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Early warning signs of appendicitis, and treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is the appendix?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The appendix is a 3.5 inch long, finger-like tube that sits at the junction of the small and large intestines. It\u2019s present in the lower-right quadrant of the abdomen. The lower end of the appendix is closed, while the upper end is connected to the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine.<\/p>\n

What is its purpose?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Atrophy is the law of nature. Organs or body parts that are not used get defunct with time. Appendix is one such vestige. It serves no clear purpose.<\/p>\n

Some scientists believe the appendix stores good bacteria which helps to bring the digestive system to normal after a bout of illness or diarrhoea. There is no concrete data to prove this theory.<\/p>\n

What is appendicitis and why does it occur?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The appendix generates mucous and fluid constantly which drain into the cecum eventually to be eliminated through the stools. Sometimes the appendix gets blocked by stools or some foreign body. Or it gets infected by bacteria and swells up in response to the infection, thereby blocking the outlet to the colon. This can cause 2 kinds of complications.<\/p>\n

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  1. Rupture<\/strong>: The blocked appendix swells up over time, causing inflammation, reduced blood flow, and eventually ruptures. This causes an infection called as peritonitis of the peritoneum or the outer lining of the abdomen. Peritonitis can be dangerous and causes more complications of its own.<\/li>\n
  2. Abscess<\/strong>: The burst appendix forms one or more pockets of pus in the abdomen called as abscess. The pus will then have to be drained out by a doctor quickly before it creates other complications.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The contributing causes and resulting complications are collectively called appendicitis.<\/p>\n

    Signs and Symptoms<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

    Appendicitis manifests as a pain in the navel area that gradually shifts to the right lower part of the abdomen. This abdomen or stomach pain is the most common symptom in children, adults and pregnant women, although there can be other conditions causing such pain. This is the earliest warning sign and must not be ignored.<\/p>\n

    Other symptoms include:<\/p>\n