Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a 4-inch-long tissue that extends from the large intestine. No one is absolutely certain what the function of the appendix is. One thing we do know: We can live without it, without apparent consequences.

1. Appendicitis
SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | TREATMENT

2. What is appendix ?
The appendix is a small finger-shaped pouch on the right side
of the abdomen, connected to the colon.
Normally, the appendix sits in the lower right abdomen. The
function of the appendix is unknown. One theory is that the
appendix acts as a storehouse for good bacteria, “rebooting” the
digestive system after diarrheal illnesses. Other experts believe
the appendix is just a useless remnant from our evolutionary
past.

3. Introduction to Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes swollen,
inflamed, and filled with pus.
 Inflammation of the appendicitis
 No effective medical therapy, and is considered a medical
emergency
 Patient recover without difficulty if treated promptly
 If treatment is delayed, it can burst, causing infection and even
death
 Most common acute surgical emergency of the abdomen
 Anyone can get it, but occurs most often between ages 10-30

4. Causes of appendicitis
 Relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix known as the
lumen.
◦ Blockage leads to increased pressure , impaired blood flow
and inflammation.
◦ If blockage is not treated ,gangrene and rupture (breaking or
tearing) of the appendix could result.
 Bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract which can lead
to swelling of lymph nodes, which squeeze the appendix and
cause obstruction
◦ Swelling known as lymphoid hyperplasia.

5. Symptoms of appendicitis
 Pain in stomach while coughing and sneezing
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Diarrhea
 Inability to pass gas (break, wind, fart)
 Fever
 Constipation
 Loss of appetite
 Pain in appendix side in the stomach
Not everyone with appendicitis will have all of the symptoms,
especially children's, pregnant woman, and the elderly .

6. Treatment of appendicitis
Appendectomy, a surgical procedure to remove appendix, is the
standard treatment for appendicitis once the infection sets in
and the diagnosis is confirmed.
 The treatment of appendicitis is appendicectomy.
 Appendicectomy can be elective, emergency or interval.
 Two types of appendicectomy
• Conventional open appendicectomy
• Laparosopic appendicectomy

7. Prevention of appendicitis
There is no way to prevent appendicitis except regular
preventive health checkups as that is the only way to catch
hold and see how your internal organs and systems are
working. Indus Health Plus has designed multiple
preventive health checkup packages for all phases of your
life.
However, appendicitis is less seen in people who eat high
fiber diet. Though the precise connect is not exactly
known, but one possible reason can be that fibre makes
the stool softer and hence reduces the chances of it getting
stuck in the appendix.