Appendicitis: The Serious Side of a Mysterious Little Organ

Chances are, you'll never have to think about your appendix. It's a small, worm-shaped organ attached to the lower intestine, and though its purpose in humans is unknown, for about 8% of Americans, it can cause an urgent medical emergency called appendicitis.

What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is caused by overgrowth of viruses, bacteria or parasites in your digestive tract, colitis, or by feces blocking the opening to the appendix. There are two types of appendicitis – chronic and acute – and treatment for both is the surgical removal of the appendix, also called an appendectomy.

Luckily, the surgery cures the condition and often results in a smooth and pain-free recovery. It is commonly performed laparoscopically, using a minimally-invasive technique that uses small incisions and leads to faster recovery times and less postsurgical pain than open surgeries. According to the Cleveland Clinic, both surgical techniques have success rates over 95%.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

The symptoms for chronic and acute appendicitis are identical. The first sign is usually unexplained pain in the lower right abdomen, but other warning signs include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Fever of 99-102 degrees F
• Constipation, diarrhea and gas

If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away. Acute appendicitis develops very quickly, and it's critical to receive diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible to prevent a rupture of the organ.

A burst appendix is a serious medical emergency. It allows the spread of bacteria and infection from the appendix into the abdomen and can cause several severe conditions:

• Peritonitis: a severe inflammation of the abdomen lining
• Abscesses: pockets of infection throughout the abdomen
• Sepsis: a life-threatening, whole-body immune response that can cause organ failure and death

How is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

The symptoms of appendicitis are similar to those of several other illnesses, including bladder or urinary tract infection, Crohn's disease and kidney stones, so it can be challenging to properly diagnose. A CT scan is the most accurate test, and others include:

• Physical abdominal examination
• Urine test to rule out urinary tract infection
• Ultrasound
• Specific tests can also be conducted for patients who are pregnant

Can I Prevent Appendicitis?

There's nothing you can do to prevent appendicitis. But as always, maintaining a well-rounded diet with regular exercise is the best way to stay healthy.

Key Takeaways

• Appendicitis is an acute medical emergency that requires immediate surgery (appendectomy) to prevent severe, even life-threatening complications.
• Humans don't need their appendix, so surgery to remove it won't lead to further health problems.
• Rapid diagnosis and treatment are the best way to avoid complications. If you think you have appendicitis, see a doctor immediately.