INTRODUCTION

It is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger shaped  pouch that projects from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen . It causes pain in your lower right abdomen . However in most people , pain begins around the navel  and then moves. As inflammation worsens pain typically increases and eventually becomes worse

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include :

• Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen
• Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen
• Pain that worsens if you cough , walk or make other jarring movements
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Low grade fever that worsen as the illness progresses
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal bloating
• Flatulence

Acute appendicitis:

Acute appendicitis is a severe and sudden case of appendicitis. The symptoms tend to develop quickly over the course of one to two days. It requites immediate medical treatment , if left untreated , it may cause your appendix to rupture .This can be a serious and even fatal complication . Acute  appendicitis is more common than chronic appendicitis.

Chronic appendicitis:

Chronic appendicitis is less common than acute. In chronic cases appendicitis , the symptoms may be relatively mild. They may disappear before reappearing again over a period of weeks , months or even years. This type of appendicitis can be challenging to diagnose. Sometimes its not diagnosed until it develops into acute appendicitis

CAUSES 

Many things can potentially block your appendix, including

• a buildup of hardened stool
• enlarged lymphoid follicles
• Intestinal worms
• traumatic injury
• tumors

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Depending on the condition doctor may recommend

• surgery to remove your appendix
• needle draining or surgery to drain an abscess
• antibiotics
• pain relievers
• IV fluids
• liquid diet

SURGERY

The type of surgery used generally is called appendectomy. During this procedure they will remove your appendix . If your appendix has burst , they will  also  clean out your abdominal cavity

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors include

• Age: most often affects people between the ages of 15-30
• Sex : common in males than females
• Family history: People who have family history of appendicitis are at high risk

COMPLICATIONS

• A ruptured appendix
• A pocket of pus that forms in the abdomen

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Prepared by: Dr Sajna Hamza