APPENDICITIS- INFECTION OF APPENDIX
What is Appendix?
- The appendix is a small pouch-like organ measuring a few inches that are attached to the intestine.
- Some believe it to be a vestigial organ( accessory pouch )
It briefly has no function and sometimes it gets infected( hence it is removed in severe infections)
- Location- Right side of the abdomen (towards the lower right side). Hence the pain during infections settles in the right lower side of the abdomen.
- Since its a pouch occasionally it can get clogged with stone, faeces. When it gets clogged the blood supply to that region is compromised. And when blood gets clogged, it is a good source for bacteria to grow. This is how it gets infected.
- Occasionally the clogging is so severe that it bursts open. All this happens in stages. It is believed that these stages can occur over a period of 2 days and it gets worse with time
PRESENTATION
Children can present with nonspecific symptoms like-
- Stomach pain -it usually starts with pain in tummy( centre of abdomen)
- Pain slowly travels to the right side
- Since pain is severe, they can vomit, or have diarrhoea
- This pain is known to occur early morning (not always)
- Obviously, as the clogging worsens, the pain worsens.
- If this gets infected then there can be fever, shivering
- As the pain gets worse the child make walk with a limp (to prevent moving the tummy)
INVESTIGATIONS
If the symptoms are worrisome, then see your doctor
- Appendicitis is a clinical diagnosis. Ultrasound of abdomen occasionally helps
- Blood tests are done to see extent of infection
- The doctor presses the tummy and sees the response of pain. Though the pain may not be present at that time, it may develop time (remember it is a progressive disease)
- Ultrasound- to see infection and clogging in the appendix
PRACTICALLY if appendicitis is severe, the child is pale, suffering severe pain, cannot walk and vomits holding his tummy)
TREATMENT
- Most children at early stages are treated with antibiotics( you don’t want children to have an operation if you can treat with antibiotics. Right? )
- If the symptoms are severe and the doctor fears it might rupture then he will operate it ASAP. It can be done by opening the abdomen with an incision or through a scope( scope has cutting and repair tools, it is inserted in skin and through camera at end of scope, the operation is done. it’s called Laparoscopy)
DANGER SIGNS
- Severe pain, Pale
- Tummy distention
- Blue discolouration of tummy with swelling
- Severe infection
CAN IT BE TRANSFERRED FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER? –
NO. It is not communicable.