Browsing: Appendicitis
Comprehensive Information, Resources, and Support on Appendicitis
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small sac of tissue that is located in the colon in the lower- right abdomen. According to available statistics, in the United States, appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain. About 5 percent of Americans will experience appendicitis some time in their lives.
Appendicitis in kids is a rare condition especially in infants. If it occurs, it usually affects kids in the age group of 2-12 years. Mostly, it occurs in teens and adults in their twenties. Appendicitis affects about 80,000 children every year in the United States. The children below 5 may suffer from acute appendicitis.
Appendectomy or appendicectomy is generally done to remove the appendix if you have appendicitis. Your doctor removes the appendix either by making many small incisions in your belly through a laparoscopic surgery or through an open procedure. You may feel sick and have diarrhea, constipation, gas, or a headache. This usually goes takes a few days to go.
An appendectomy is a simple and common surgery. The procedure is generally performed as an emergency operation to treat the condition of appendicitis. Some patients who are at risk of appendicitis and who are undergoing surgery of their abdomen for some other reason may also have their appendix removed to avoid developing appendicitis.
Appendicitis testing is a difficult task due to many reasons. One of the reasons is the fact that appendix is located at slightly different locations in different people. There are however certain tests used by doctors to diagnose the condition. Appendicitis requires immediate treatment as the inflamed appendix can rupture and lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated early.
Appendix pain starts near the naval or upper abdomen, and may not be permanent. It is usually the first sign of onset of appendicitis in a person. Within hours, the pain travels to the lower right-hand side of the abdomen, where the appendix is located. A severe pain is experienced in this area.