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Appendicitis

Pronounced: Ah-PEN-de-SITE-is

Definition

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small, tube-like organ that hangs from the intestines. It appears to have no function.

Causes

Appendicitis usually occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. This can be caused by something trapped in the appendix, such as:

A piece of dried stool
A piece of food
Tumors
Scar tissue
Worms
Barium after a diagnostic exam
Overgrowth of the lymph tissue of the appendix

The lining of the appendix continues to produce mucus, but it has no place to go. Bacteria normally found in the intestines grow and produce toxins in the lining of the appendix. Pressure builds and causes severe pain in the abdomen. The wall of the appendix can break open. If the appendix ruptures, its contents can spill into the abdominal cavity. This causes serious inflammation in the abdominal cavity called peritonitis, which can be fatal.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Sex: Male
Age: Teen years
Family members who have had appendicitis

Symptoms

Symptoms usually come on suddenly. Pain generally increases during a 6- to 12-hour period. Patients may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

Pain
- Starts as discomfort around the belly button
- Usually moves to the right side of the abdomen over several hours
- May be in a different location if the appendix is not in the usual place
- Increases as inflammation in the appendix builds
- Worsens with sneezing, coughing, and deep breathing
- May increase with movement
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Swelling of the abdomen
Abdomen feels hard and is sensitive to touch
Constipation
Mild diarrhea
Slight fever

If the appendix ruptures, symptoms include:

Pain becoming stronger and spreading across the abdomen
Increasing fever

Note: Symptoms may be atypical in infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Diagnosis

Seek immediate medical care if you have severe pain in the abdomen. Appendicitis can be hard to diagnose. Symptoms vary and can be similar to symptoms of other diseases.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The exam will include:

Carefully touching the abdomen and observing your body's reactions
A rectal exam

Other tests to determine the cause of your pain may include:

Blood tests – to see if you have an infection
Urine tests – to rule out a urinary tract infection
CT scan or ultrasound – to look for signs of an inflamed appendix or abscess that may be causing the pain. Only helpful in late appendicitis.
Laparoscopy – looking at the appendix through a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision near the belly button

Treatment

Appendicitis is treated by surgically removing the appendix as soon as possible. If the diagnosis is not certain, the doctor may carefully monitor your condition for 6 to 12 hours before operating. You will also be given antibiotics to fight infection.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing appendicitis because it comes on suddenly and the cause is usually not known. To decrease the risk of rupture, seek medical care immediately for severe abdominal pain.