Appendicitis symptoms in adults, causes, and how to avoid rupture or abscess formation
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, often caused by obstruction or infection. It commonly affects young men and may show seasonal trends. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. Risk factors include family history, infections, and bowel diseases.
Appendix Location and Function Your appendix is a small pouch, shaped like a finger, that is attached to the large intestine. It is present in the lower part of the abdomen, towards the right side. While it was earlier considered to be a vestigial organ, its role in gut immunity and hosting the good gut bacteria is surfacing with recent studies (Images: Canva)
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Definition and Seasonal Pattern Appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix, and it can present as an acute or a chronic infection. It is more commonly seen in young men, and some studies suggest that it can be a seasonal problem, occurring more in the months of May and August. This variation leads to epidemic appendicitis.
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Viral and Bacterial Link Initially, the virus may affect the appendix causing a collection of fluid and inflammation, which later becomes a hotspot for bacterial invasion, leading to appendicitis. A positive family history, especially cases of first-degree relatives having appendicitis, can also affect the development of this condition.
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Causes of Obstruction Appendicitis can also occur due to obstruction in the inner space of the appendix. Blockage can be caused by a hardened mass of faeces, strictures, foreign bodies or even worms, namely the roundworm or threadworm. Formation of adhesions or presence of a malignancy like carcinoma caecum can also lead to appendicitis.
Other Risk Factors Other factors that can cause appendicitis include Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease) and obstruction in the distal colon. Persons who are inclined towards using or abusing purgatives can also suffer from an attack of appendicitis. Common organisms implicated in this condition include Escherichia coli, enterococci, streptococci and Bacteroides.
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Age and Initial Pain While acute appendicitis is rare under the age of two, children and other age groups can be commonly affected. One of the earliest symptoms of this condition is pain, which often begins around the belly button due to the enlarged appendix. After a few hours, pain may be experienced in the right lower abdomen due to the inflamed appendix.
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Accompanying Symptoms Symptoms may not be restricted to just pain. Vomiting and constipation also accompany an attack of acute appendicitis. Diarrhea can occur if the appendix is positioned differently. Other features include fever, increased heart rate and an unpleasant odour when the affected individual exhales.
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Urinary and Shifting Pain When the appendix that has become inflamed comes in contact with the urinary bladder, it can lead to irritation of the bladder, thus causing increased frequency of micturition. On pressing at the left lower abdomen, pain occurs in the right due to the shift of the bowel loops.
McBurney’s Point Tenderness The point at the junction of the medial two third and lateral one thirds of the line joining the belly button and a prominence on the hip bone is known as the McBurney’s point. A typical tenderness at the McBurney’s point can aid in diagnosing acute appendicitis.
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Similar Conditions to Rule Out Acute appendicitis must not be confused with other conditions that can mimic it, like perforated ulcer in the small intestine, inflammation of the gall bladder, acute pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation of the fallopian tube in females can also present mimicking acute appendicitis. (Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis)
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
