This document discusses appendicitis, a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. The appendix is a small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine. While its function is unknown, appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked and bacteria grow, causing swelling. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Untreated appendicitis can lead to the appendix rupturing, resulting in a serious infection of the abdominal cavity. Standard treatment is surgical removal of the appendix to prevent rupture and further complications.

1. Appendicitis
{ A Disorder of Digestive System}

2. Contents
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Appendix
Functions
Introduction of Appendicitis.
Symptoms.
Causes.
Pathophysiology
Treatment.
Complications.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. What is Appendicitis?
• It refers to the
condition
characterized by
inflammation of
the appendix.

6. • 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.

7. 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
• Inability to pass gas
• Low fever
• Not everyone with appendicitis has all these
symptoms.

8. 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 your 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.

9. Pathophysiology
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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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Complications..
• If your appendix bursts, it releases pus to other parts of the
body, which can cause an infection in the abdomen called
peritonitis.
• Peritonitis is the painful swelling of the abdomen area
around the stomach and liver. The condition causes your
normal bowel movements to stop and your bowel to
become blocked.
• This causes:
• severe abdominal pain
• a fever of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or more
• a rapid heartbeat
• If peritonitis is not treated immediately it can cause longterm problems and may even be fatal

13. Preventing Appendicitis
• Studies have shown that the incidence of
appendicitis is a lot lower in countries
where a high-fiber diet is common.
• It is not known exactly why this is, but
one possible reason is that fiber makes our
stools softer, reducing the chances of them
getting stuck in the appendix.
• Foods high in fiber include:
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wholegrain cereals, bread, rice.
vegetables, such as carrots
fruits