The appendix is a small pouch that projects out from the right colon. Appendicitis is an emergency condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and infected.

What Causes Appendicitis?

Appendicitis can affect anyone, but it is most commonly seen in young adults. It typically develops due to an obstruction when hard stool clogs the opening of the appendix, allowing bacteria to overgrow. Appendicitis can also follow an intestinal infection, causing a rapid increase in germs within the appendix, leading it to become swollen, inflamed, and filled with pus. In rare cases, appendicitis may occur if the appendix is blocked by a tumor.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of appendicitis can vary. Typically, appendicitis causes abdominal pain that begins around the belly button and later moves to the right lower abdomen. The pain usually intensifies over several hours and can become very severe. Other common symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea or bloating

• Fever

How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

In many cases, diagnosing appendicitis is straightforward. However, other medical conditions, such as gastroenteritis, kidney stones, or urinary tract infections, can mimic the symptoms of appendicitis.

A missed diagnosis of appendicitis can lead to serious complications. If the appendix ruptures, pus and infected material can leak into the abdomen, causing peritonitis, a life-threatening infection. If the appendix ruptures but the pus is contained in a pocket, an abscess (collection of pus) may form.

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will examine your abdomen for tenderness and may order blood tests and imaging scans, such as a Computed Tomography (CT) scan, to evaluate the appendix. On blood tests, a raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein levels can indicate an infection or inflammatory process.

What is the Treatment for Appendicitis?

The treatment for appendicitis typically requires surgery to remove the appendix, known as appendicectomy. In most cases, this is performed as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, which allows for a faster recovery and less scarring compared to open surgery. You can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two days after the surgery.

In some cases, surgery may be performed even if the diagnosis of appendicitis is not certain, as there are risks associated with a missed diagnosis. It's expected that the appendix will be found to be normal in 10-15% of patients. If the appendix appears normal during surgery, the surgeon will carefully examine the rest of the abdomen to identify the source of the problem. Sometimes, an alternative diagnosis is discovered during surgery, and further procedures may be required. The appendix will still be removed, even if it appears normal, to avoid future confusion.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you suspect you have appendicitis, seek medical attention immediately. While there is no way to prevent appendicitis, prompt medical care usually leads to a successful diagnosis and treatment with minimal risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options.