{A Disorder of Digestive System}

Appendicitis

Contents

• Appendix

• Functions

• Introduction of Appendicitis.

• Symptoms.

• Causes.

• Pathophysiology

• Treatment.

• Complications.

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

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.

What is Appendicitis?

• It refers to the condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix.

• 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.

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.

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.

Pathophysiology

• 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

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.

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.

• 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 long-term problems and may even be fatal

Complications..

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:– wholegrain cereals, bread, rice.– vegetables, such as carrots – fruits