What is the appendix?
The appendix has been described as a wormlike expansion of the large bowel (cecum) measuring three to five inches in length. The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen at the beginning of the large intestine. In general the appendix is about as thick as a lead pencil, and is pinkish gray in color. It serves no function in people that we know of today, but some people think it once served a purpose. My personal theory is that it might have something to do with the immune system.

What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the lining of the appendix spreading to its other portions. When acute inflammation occurs, it causes severe pain in the lower part of the abdomen. By the time this pain occurs, the appendix has usually become full of pus. If not treated right away, the infection can spread through the wall of the appendix. Here it can turn into gangrene and rupture. Because of this, appendicitis is always considered an emergency situation.

What causes appendicitis?
Appendicitis may be caused by bacterial inflammation, or by a viral infection occurring in the digestive tract. A bacterial infection can happen when a rigid particle of stool blocks its passageway, causing pressure upon the blood vessels in the area. The inflammation can cause infection, a blood clot, or rupture of the appendix.

Years ago, before the age of antibiotics, appendicitis was known as a common abdominal surgery, but it occurs less frequently today. Most often appendicitis is seen in young adults in their twenties through forties, but can occur in infants, and even older people. Many years ago people died from appendicitis including small infants. Rarely does it occur in children under three years of age anymore. For some unknown reason, the condition occurs less often today than it did twenty years ago.

What are some test for appendicitis?
A physical exam based upon the symptoms.
A urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection
Ultrasound can show an inflamed appendix
A blood count is taken to see if the white blood cell count is elevated, as is usually the case in acute appendicitis.

If the doctor does suspect appendicitis, surgery will need to be performed as soon as possible. If not, the appendix can rupture and go into a condition known as peritonitis. Pus from the infected appendix spreads into the abdominal cavity, quickly causing blood poisoning.

What are the symptoms?
Generalized abdominal cramps
Pain usually begins near the navel and moves down to the lower right abdominal region
The pain becomes worse when the person moves or touches the area
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Elevated temperature
Increased pulse rate
Constipation
Abdominal swelling

In appendicitis these symptoms tend to become more severe as time passes. Not everyone with appendicitis has all the symptoms. If you suspect appendicitis, never take a laxative or enema. These medications can cause the appendix to rupture.

What is the treatment?
Surgery to remove the inflamed appendix is known as an appendectomy. Many appendectomies now are performed through laparoscopic surgery in which the appendix is removed. This procedure involves several tiny cuts made into the abdomen, and a miniature camera is inserted with instruments preventing the large unsightly scar of the past.

Today people can have their appendix removed, and after some healing time they can return to their normal duties. We do not need our appendix to live, and can continue with our same diet as long as it is a healthy one. About one in five hundred people have appendicitis every year.

Bib:
The New Ill. Medical Ency. New York.
Ency. And Dictionary of Medicine and Nursing. Philadelphia.
Family Medical Guide. New York.

©1999 jcamden