Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix or appendix. The appendix is a small, thin sac-shaped organ, measuring 5 to 10 cm long that is connected to the large intestine. When suffering from appendicitis, sufferers may feel pain in the lower right abdomen. If left unchecked, the infection can become serious and cause the appendix to rupture, causing complaints of severe pain that can endanger the life of the sufferer.
Appendicitis can occur at any age, but is most common between the ages of 10 and 30. In addition to adults, appendicitis in children and adolescents can also occur. Appendicitis can be caused by a blockage in the appendix, either partially or totally. Complete obstruction of the appendix is an emergency and requires immediate surgery.
SymptomAppendicitis
The main symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain. This pain is called abdominal colic. The pain can start from the navel, then move to the lower right part of the abdomen. However, the position of the pain may vary, depending on age and the position of the appendix itself. Within a few hours, the pain can get worse, especially when we move, take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze. In addition, this pain can also appear suddenly, even when the patient is sleeping. If appendicitis occurs during pregnancy, pain can appear in the upper abdomen, because the position of the appendix becomes higher during pregnancy.
Symptoms of abdominal pain can be accompanied by other symptoms, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Bloated
- Can't pass gas (fart)
- Nauseous
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fever
Consult a doctor if you experience abdominal pain that gradually gets worse and spreads to the entire abdominal area. This condition can be a sign that the appendix has ruptured, resulting in an infection of the abdominal cavity or peritonitis. In women, the symptoms of appendicitis can sometimes be similar to menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) and an interrupted ectopic pregnancy.
Causes of Appendicitis
Appendicitis occurs when the cavity of the appendix becomes infected. In this condition, bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen, and festering. Many factors are thought to make a person experience appendicitis, including:
- Obstacles to the door of the appendix
- Thickening or swelling of the appendix wall tissue due to infection in the digestive tract or in other parts of the body
- Stool or parasitic growth (eg pinworm infection or ascariasis) that clogs the appendix cavity
- Injuries to the stomach.
- Medical conditions, such as a tumor in the stomach or inflammatory bowel disease.
However, the cause of appendicitis remains undetermined. Various myths that cause that certain foods, such as chili seeds, can trigger appendicitis has also not been proven true. Various ways to prevent appendicitis have also not been proven to be fully effective and anyone can get this disease.
Diagnosis of Appendicitis
The diagnosis of appendicitis begins after the doctor asks the patient's symptoms and performs a physical examination. The examination aims to assess pain, and is done by pressing the area that feels pain. Appendicitis is characterized by pain that gets worse after the pressure is released quickly.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will need to perform a number of tests. The tests carried out are in the form of:
- blood test, to check the white blood cell count, which indicates an infection.
- Urine teste, to rule out other diseases, such as urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
- CT scanor ultrasound, to determine if the pain in the abdomen is caused by appendicitis.
- pelvic exam,to make sure the pain is not due to a reproductive problem or another pelvic infection.
- Pregnancy test, to make sure the pain is not caused by an ectopic pregnancy.
- chest X-ray, to make sure the pain is not caused by right-sided pneumonia, which has symptoms similar to appendicitis.
Appendicitis Treatment
The main treatment step for appendicitis is through surgical removal of the appendix, also known as an appendectomy. However, before surgery, patients are usually given antibiotics to prevent infection, especially in the appendix that has not ruptured but has formed an abscess. Whereas in mild appendicitis, giving antibiotics before surgery can restore the condition of some patients, so surgery is not necessary.
Until now, appendicitis has not been proven to be treatable with any herbal remedies, including turmeric. Treatment of this disease, especially those that are already severe, still need drugs such as antibiotics and surgery.
There are two ways to perform an appendectomy, namely laparoscopically or keyhole surgery, and open surgery or laparotomy. Both surgical techniques are initiated by performing general anesthesia on the patient. Laparoscopic appendectomy is performed by making several small keyhole-sized incisions in the abdomen, to insert a special surgical instrument equipped with a camera to remove the appendix. This operation is preferred because the recovery process is shorter. This type of surgery is also recommended for elderly or obese patients.
Meanwhile, open surgery is performed by dissecting the lower right abdomen for 5-10 centimeters, and removing the appendix. Open surgery is highly recommended for cases of appendicitis where the infection has spread beyond the appendix, or if the appendix is festering (abscess).
Meanwhile, for the case of a ruptured appendix and an abscess, it is necessary to drain the pus from the abscess using a tube that is inserted through an incision in the skin. Implementation of a new appendectomy can be done a few weeks later after the infection is under control.
The recovery process after appendectomy in laparoscopic surgery is shorter than in open surgery. Patients can go home from the hospital a few days after surgery. However, if complications occur during surgery, hospitalization may take longer. During the recovery period, the patient is not allowed to lift heavy weights, and it is recommended not to exercise for about 6 weeks. After that, the patient can return to normal activities.
Complications of Appendicitis
Untreated appendicitis is at risk for dangerous complications. These complications include:
- Abscessor the formation of a pouch filled withpus. This complication arises as the body's natural effort to overcome the infection in the appendix. Treatment is done by suctioning the pus from the abscess or with antibiotics. If found during surgery, the abscess and the area around it will be carefully cleaned and given antibiotics.
- Peritonitis. Peritonitis is an infection of the inner lining of the abdomen or peritoneum. Peritonitis occurs when the appendix ruptures and the infection spreads throughout the abdominal cavity. This case was treated with antibiotics and open surgery as soon as possible, to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis is characterized by severe and persistent pain throughout the abdomen, fever, and a rapid heart rate.
Appendicitis needs to be treated immediately so that it doesn't cause complications, but the operation costs a lot of money. Therefore, registering yourself as a member of health insurance can be a practical option to save expenses when taking treatment.