Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch
that projects from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen.
Appendicitis causes pain in your lower right abdomen. However, in most people,
pain begins around the navel and then moves. As inflammation worsens,
appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe. Although
anyone can develop appendicitis, most often it occurs in people between the
ages of 10 and 30.
that projects from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen.
Appendicitis causes pain in your lower right abdomen. However, in most people,
pain begins around the navel and then moves. As inflammation worsens,
appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe. Although
anyone can develop appendicitis, most often it occurs in people between the
ages of 10 and 30.
Signs and symptoms of appendicitis
Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include:
- Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the
lower abdomen - Sudden pain that begins around the navel and
often shifts to the lower right abdomen - Pain that worsens when the individual coughs,
walk or make other jarring movements - Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness
progresses - Constipation or diarrhoea
- Abdominal bloating
The site of the
pain may vary, depending on the age and the position of the appendix. For pregnant
women, the pain may seem to come from the upper abdomen because the appendix is
higher during pregnancy.
pain may vary, depending on the age and the position of the appendix. For pregnant
women, the pain may seem to come from the upper abdomen because the appendix is
higher during pregnancy.
Causes of appendicitis
A blockage in the lining of the appendix that results
in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis. The bacteria multiply
rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus.
If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture.
in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis. The bacteria multiply
rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus.
If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture.
Treatment of appendicitis
Appendicitis treatment usually involves surgery to
remove the inflamed appendix.
remove the inflamed appendix.
The role of the family in the
control of appendicitis
control of appendicitis
Since there is no well known measure of prevention of
appendicitis, family members can help people with this health condition by
seeking health care services as soon as it is diagnosed.
appendicitis, family members can help people with this health condition by
seeking health care services as soon as it is diagnosed.
The role of the community/government
in the control of appendicitis
in the control of appendicitis
Government and the community should work together to
ensure that facilities and personnel are put in place to care for people with
appendicitis.
ensure that facilities and personnel are put in place to care for people with
appendicitis.
