Are you struggling with frequent abdominal pains? Appendicitis might be one of the underlying causes. Primarily, you will experience stomach pain that might further extend to your sides and back. Your pain may further worsen when you move or walk, or even cough.
Appendicitis symptoms vary across different age groups. So, here’s an in-depth insight into Appendicitis, its warning signs, associated complications and the best treatment options.
What Exactly is Appendicitis? The Silent Threat You Need to Know About
Appendicitis is a medical condition wherein your appendix gets inflamed. The primary reason behind this is that your appendix gets blocked either because of enlarged lymphoid follicles traumas, or worms. With a blocked appendix, the bacteria or worms can further multiply within the blockage, resulting in rupturing your appendix or forming a pus. If the pain continues to last longer, it may gradually worsen further.
While the researchers still need to be more confident about the exact function of your appendix, some studies indicate that it is the storehouse of certain good bacteria. Anyone is prone to develop appendicitis. However, it is more prevalent in individuals between 10 to 30 years old.
Appendicitis Symptoms You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Your body sends out certain signs and appendicitis symptoms, which you need to be alert about. This medical condition is treatable. However, it would help if you kept a close eye on the symptoms to seek immediate medical assistance. If left untreated, it might further lead to serious health conditions, and your appendix may eventually rupture and develop infection.
Common appendicitis symptoms include:
Triggering pain on the right side of your lower abdomen
Triggering pain around the navel
Pain worsens further as you move
Urge to vomit or feeling nausea
Appetite loss
Low-grade fever
Constipation or diarrhoea
Gas or bloating
How Do Doctors Diagnose Appendicitis? Here’s What to Expect
Your doctor will ask you to undergo a diagnostic test if you are struggling with the above appendicitis symptoms. A complete physical examination for appendicitis includes the following:
Blood tests for determining your counts of white blood cells
Urine analysis for detecting the presence of kidney stones
Imaging tests for confirming the presence of appendicitis
Consult a reliable gastro surgeon in Lucknow to get your appendicitis symptoms checked at the initial stages and prevent it from worsening further.
Ignoring Appendicitis? Brace Yourself for These Serious Complications
If your appendicitis symptoms are left untreated, it can cause serious medical complications, which may include:
Ruptured Appendix
If your appendix gets ruptured, it may result in a serious infectious condition known as peritonitis. This condition calls for immediate surgical correction to remove your appendix and clear your abdominal cavity. If even this is left untreated, it may result in severe life-threatening conditions.
A Pocket of Pus
The next condition that may develop from untreated appendicitis complication is called a Pocket of Pus or Abscess. This condition occurs when your appendix bursts out of infectious swelling. This then has to be frequently drained to remove the toxins from your appendix. Along with several draining sessions, you will also be put on antibiotics.
Eventually, after six months, a laparoscopic appendectomy will be advised, called interval appendectomy. Again, you’ll be put on antibiotics to fight possible peritonitis or infectious abdominal cavities.
Suggested Read: Colorectal Cancer: The Silent Killer You Need to Know About!
The Best Treatment Options for Appendicitis: What You Need to Know
Once your doctor confirms the presence of appendicitis, he will put you on appendicitis treatment. Most likely, you will be referred for a surgery called appendectomy. This surgical procedure is both safe and routinely employed. It is trusted to prevent further medical complications of your appendicitis.
Other than this, you also have laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery wherein your doctor will make minor incisions into your abdomen. With the support of special surgical equipment, they will then pull out your appendix.
Laparotomy is an open surgery where your surgeon will only make a single incision into your abdomen. This incision measures around 2 to 4 inches. With the help of special surgical equipment, they will then pull out your appendix.
Your doctor is the best one to decide the appendix treatment option for you based on your appendix symptoms and medical history. They may even prescribe you some antibiotics to be taken before and after undergoing your appendicitis treatment surgery.
Conclusion
Do not wait too long for your appendicitis symptoms to worsen further. Be alert to the symptoms and treatment options available, talk to your doctor if you notice even the slightest symptoms, and get the symptoms immediately corrected.
Leaving your symptoms unattended will result in further complexifying your medical condition, which might even go beyond the scope of medical correction.
