The Complete Appendix Overview

Everyone has an appendix; although not everyone can agree if the organ has any used.  It is one of the organs in the body that can be removed without affecting the bodyâ?Ts well being.  The ironic thing about the appendix though is that the body will do fine even without an appendix, but a person suffering from appendicitis could die if the appendix is not removed.  The appendix has no scientific use but it could be fatal if it is diseased.

What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a condition arising from the inflammation of the appendix for no apparent reason.  This condition can happen to anyone regardless of age.  It can even happen to children as young as two years old; although it is rarely seen in infants.  Largely though, this disease is fairly common among individuals aged 10 to 30.  Often, when children suffer from severe abdominal pain, the most likely culprit is appendicitis.

Sympt oms of Appendicitis
The most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain.  The pain is oftentimes excruciating and debilitating.  Other symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal swelling, slight fever, difficulty to pass gas, dull rectal or back pain, painful urination, vomiting, abdominal cramps, severe constipation and diarrhea.

Symptoms of appendicitis actually vary; although people experience some of the symptoms but not all.  However, signs of appendicitis always take the classic pattern.  Often painful symptoms are relieved when the person suffering from appendicitis would lie on his side with his knees towards his chest.  However, the only way to really relieve yourself from a painful appendix is to have the organ removed.

Cause s of Appendicitis
Often, doctors do not have explanations why appendicitis occurs.  However, there are people who believe that a perforated appendicitis could be caused by hardened stools that are struck in the appendix.

Diagnosing Appendicitis
Basically, the physician would subject the patient to a physical examination.  This includes pressing the abdomen and sometimes, inserting a finger on the patientâ?Ts anus.  Women may be subjected to vaginal examination as well.  Medical history is taken from the patient and vital stats are taken.  The doctor would recommend that the patient undergo some blood and urine tests.  Unfortunately, there is no actual test that would definitely determine appendicitis.  

Treatment of Appendicitis
Basically, the patient would have to undergo an appendectomy.  The recommendation of the physician for appendectomy would be based on his observation and examination of the patient.  Unfortunately, since it is difficult to diagnose appendicitis with certainty, doctors would end up operating on a patient with a normal appendix.  There are so many diseases that can cause symptoms similar to appendicitis.

In cases where the condition is not serious, the patient may be required to stay in the hospital for a couple of days without requiring the patient to undergo surgery.  Once the patient feels relatively better with normal temperature and bowel movement, he may be discharged to recuperate at home.  He may be able to go back to his daily routines in a matter of weeks.