Appendicitis: Abdominal pain that is often late diagnosed

What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix (worm tube) becomes blocked and becomes inflamed. There are various causes of a blocked appendix, including dirt/feces, worms, or tumors. If appendicitis occurs in a child, the most common cause is enlarged lymph nodes in the worm's tuft. Appendicitis can occur in the age range 5-45 years, with the highest incidence occurring in young adults. Acute appendicitis is often diagnosed late because the symptoms of acute appendicitis can resemble symptoms of stomach ulcers (gastritis), problems with the urinary tract or kidneys, or problems with the obstetric and gynecological organs.

The exact cause of appendicitis is not yet known. Several studies suggest that there is a hereditary tendency. Later it was discovered that it was caused by similar eating habits, genetic resistance of the bacterial flora. Eating habits that are low in fiber, high in sugar and fat are also the cause of infrequent bowel movements, the transit time of food in the intestine is much longer, and causes increased pressure in the intestinal cavity.

If not diagnosed properly, simple appendicitis can worsen so that the appendix ruptures and requires treatment in the form of more major surgery.

 

Appendicitis Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of appendicitis is essential to getting timely treatment. Some of the most common signs of appendicitis include:

    1. Severe and persistent toothache: This pain is usually initially felt from the pit of the stomach, then moves to the lower right abdomen
    2. Fever: one of the signs that indicates the spread of infection.
    3. Nausea and vomiting
    4. Loss of appetite: The area around the infection may appear inflamed and painful.
    5. Pain when folding the legs towards the stomach.

 

How is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

In general, appendicitis can be confirmed through physical and laboratory examinations, but if necessary, additional diagnostic tools can be used, namely:

    1. Ultrasound: can be used as an initial examination because it is fast, cheap and has quite good sensitivity.
    2. Appendicogram: is rarely used because it requires quite a long preparation.
    3. CT-Scan: CT-Scan may be needed to get a more detailed picture because CT-Scan can confirm >95% of appendicitis cases.

 

Treatment Options for appendicitis

The treatment for appendicitis in most cases is appendectomy. Delay in treatment can increase the incidence of perforation, namely a condition where the appendix has ruptured and resulted in widespread infection in the abdominal cavity. In conditions of chronic appendicitis or an appendix that is not acute, a laparoscopic surgical technique can be used, namely by making a smaller wound and using a camera. This procedure has been proven to produce less post-surgical pain, faster recovery and higher incidence of infection. lower wounds. Laparoscopy is mainly performed for diagnosis and therapy in patients with less specific symptoms of abdominal pain, especially in women.

 

Appendcitis Prevention

Until now, there are no specific steps that can be taken to prevent appendicitis, but there are several steps that can be taken to maintain a healthy digestive tract, namely:

    1. Consume balanced, nutritious foods high in fiber.
    2. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
    3. Avoid foods high in fat, high in sugar, and spicy foods.
    4. Exercise regularly.

 

Conclusion

Abdominal pain should not be ignored. What may feel like mild abdominal pain can quickly escalate into a serious medical condition. By understanding the symptoms, seeking immediate treatment, you can prevent complications. If you experience signs of abdominal pain, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon. Healthy greetings!

 

 

Reference

1. Williams B A, Schizas A M P, Management of Complex Appendicitis. Elsevier. 2010. Surgery 28:11. p544048.
2. Andersson N, Griffiths H, Murphy J, et al. Is appendicitis familial? Br Med J 1979 Sep 22; 2: 697e8.
3. Heaton KW. In: Br Med J, Res Clin, eds. Aetiology of acute appendicitis 1987 Jun 27; 294:1632e3.
4. Bewes P. Appendicitis. [Internet] April 2003. [cited April 2011] E-Talc Issue 3. Available from: http://web.squ.edu.om/med-Lib/MED_CD/E_CDs/health%2520development/html/clients/beweshtml/bewes_01.htm