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What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes swollen, inflamed, and filled with pus. The appendix is a finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right area of the abdomen connected to the colon, the area between the chest and hips. The appendix does not appear to have a specific function in the body, and removing it does not seem to affect a person’s health. This condition usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 30.Recovery Time
Surgery to remove the appendix, which is called an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for appendicitis. Within 12 hours of surgery, you may get up and move around. You can usually return to normal activities in two to three weeks.Diagnosis
The following tests are usually used to make the diagnosis.- Abdominal exam to detect inflammation
- Urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection
- Blood test to see if your body is fighting infection
- CT scans and/or ultrasound
FAQs prepared by doctor
1. What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes swollen, inflamed, and filled with pus.
2. What is appendix?
The appendix is a finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right area of the abdomen connected to the colon, the area between the chest and hips. The appendix does not appear to have a specific function in the body, and removing it does not seem to affect a person’s health.
3. What is the usual age when appendicitis occurs?
This condition usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 30 yrs.
4. What shall one do when suffering from appendix?
Avoid strenuous activity, start with short walks and rest when you need to. Do not use enemas or laxatives? they increase the risk of a ruptured appendix. Start slowly and increase your activity as you feel up to it.
5. When shall one consult a doctor?
One shall consult a doctor if there is severe pain in the abdominal area along with fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea or an inability to pass gas or stools.
6. Is surgery required for appendicitis?
In case of acute appendicitis surgery seems to be compulsory. If patients symptoms get reduced due to antibiotic infusion then interval appendectomy could be advised, i.e. After 6 to 12 weeks the condition of the patient is assessed. After such duration, if such symptoms do not recur then surgery is not mandatory.