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Understanding Appendicitis Symptoms & Treatment

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, which has no known function in humans. It is a medical emergency that can lead to serious complications if untreated, including rupture and peritonitis, and is most common in individuals aged 10 to 30. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds, and treatment usually requires surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy).

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Inam Ullah
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4 views12 pages

Understanding Appendicitis Symptoms & Treatment

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, which has no known function in humans. It is a medical emergency that can lead to serious complications if untreated, including rupture and peritonitis, and is most common in individuals aged 10 to 30. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds, and treatment usually requires surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy).

Uploaded by

Inam Ullah
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Appendicitis

Pre by [Link] Ullah


What
? is Appendix?
The appendix is
small, tube like
structure
attached to first
part of large
intestine.
The appendix is
a small pouch,
normally about 5
to 10 cm long (2
to 4 ins) and
quite thin
Functions
 The appendix has no known function
in humans.
 Evidence suggests that our
evolutionary ancestors used their
appendixes to digest tough food like
tree bark, but we don't use ours in
digestion now.
 Whether the appendix has a function
or not, it can be removed without
any ill effects.
What is Appendicitis?

It refers to the


condition
characterized by
inflammation of the
appendix.
 If untreated, mortality is high, mainly because
of the risk of rupture leading to infection and
inflammation of the intestinal lining
(peritoneum)
 If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can
burst and spread infection into the abdomen.
This causes a condition called peritonitis.
 Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Treatment
almost always involves removing the appendix.
Anyone can get appendicitis, but it is more
common among people between 10 to 30
years old.
Location of McBurney's point (1), located two thirds the
distance from the umbilicus (2) to the anterior superior iliac
spine (3).
6
Symptoms
 The main symptom is pain in the abdomen. ,
often on the right side.
 Swelling in the abdomen.
 Loss of appetite
 Nausea and vomiting
 Constipation or diarrhea
 Low fever
 Not everyone with appendicitis has all these
symptoms.
Causes
 An obstruction. Food waste or a hard piece of
stool (fecal stone) can block the opening of the
cavity that runs the length of appendix.
 An infection. Appendicitis may also follow an
infection, such as a gastrointestinal viral
infection, or it may result from other types of
inflammation.
 In both cases, bacteria inside the appendix
multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become
inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If not
treated promptly, the appendix can rupture.
Pathophysiology
 Appendix become obstructed

 Increase intra-luminal pressure

 Decrease venous drainage, Thrombosis, Edema,


and Bacterial Invasion of Bowel Wall.

 Appendix become increasingly hyperemic, warm


and covered with exudate.

 Perforation and gangrene of appendix


Treatment & Management

Medical examination: The original test for


appendicitis, a simple examination of the belly
remains important in making the diagnosis.
Changes in the abdominal exam help doctors tell
if appendicitis is progressing, as well.
CT scan (computed tomography): A CT scanner
uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed
images. In appendicitis, CT scans can show the
inflamed appendix, and whether it has ruptured.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to
detect signs of appendicitis, such as a swollen
appendix.
Complete blood count (CBC): An increased number
of white blood cells -- a sign of infection and
inflammation -- are often seen on blood tests
during appendicitis.
 Surgery to remove the appendix, which is called

an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for


appendicitis.

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