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Understanding Appendicitis
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
Treatment
How Do I Know If I Have It?
Diagnosing appendicitis can be tricky. Time is critical, yet appendicitis symptoms are frequently vague or extremely similar to other, less urgent ailments (including bladder infection, colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, gastroenteritis, and ovary problems). By gently pressing on your lower right abdomen, your doctor will feel for a hardened, inflamed appendix. A urine test will also be performed to rule out a urinary tract infection. Appendicitis can cause rectal pain instead of abdominal pain, so your doctor will also examine your rectum by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger. A blood test will show if your white blood cell count is elevated, meaning your body is fighting infection. CT scans and ultrasound have proved fast and reliable -- though not perfect -- in revealing appendicitis.
What Are the Treatments?
Surgery to remove the appendix, which is called an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for appendicitis.
Conventional Medicine
If appendicitis is even suspected, physicians tend to err on the side of safety and quickly remove the appendix to avoid its rupture. If the appendix has formed an abscess, you may have two procedures: one to do a CT guided drainage of the pus and fluid, and a second one to remove the appendix 8-12 weeks later. This delayed surgery is called an interval appendectomy.
Antibiotics are given before an appendectomy to fight possible peritonitis. General anesthesia is given, and the appendix is removed through a short incision in the right lower quadrant. If you have peritonitis, the abdomen is also drained of pus. Within 12 hours of surgery you may get up and move around. You can usually return to normal activities in two or three weeks. If surgery is done with a laparoscope (a thin telescope-like instrument for viewing inside the abdomen), four smaller incisions are made and recovery is faster.
At-Home Care
Keep your incision clean to promote healing and avoid infection.
How Can I Prevent It?
There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis is less common in people who eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
