Appendicitis: Symptoms, Tests, Treatment & Prevention

Appendicitis is quite common as well as a tricky disease. But, it is serious at the same time, accompanied by severe abdominal pain. You may discern discomfort in your gastrovascular region due to the inflammation of the appendix. 

A small pouch-shaped tube-like organ that projects out from the large intestine is medically termed an appendix. Treating appendicitis mandates extracting the infected appendix. You can consult the best hospital in Kolkata for appendix and get an appointment for an appendectomy.

The appendix has no particular use. And, scientists believe that it is a useless remnant associated with our evolutionary history. So, by now, you know that you can live without it and survive.

What are the Symptoms?

Gastrointestinal discomfort can be the initial indication of appendicitis, and it is often accompanied by mild fever, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite. However, do not confuse appendicitis with gallbladder problems or gastritis.

When the appendix gets blocked either due to pus or bacterial infection, it swells up. This can occur due to any abdominal injury, digestive tract infection, enlargement of lymphoid follicles, inflammatory bowel disease or tumor. You may feel pain in the abdominal region, along with: 

  • Nausea
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Inability to let out gas
  • Painful urination

The symptoms start to get worse. The abdominal pain can get triggered even due to coughing or slight body movement. 

Appendicitis can be divided into two categories:

Acute Appendicitis

It is mostly diagnosed among the age group 10 to 30 years old. And, studies show that it occurs more frequently in males than females. Why this discrepancy? Book an appointment with the best hospital in Kolkata for appendix to seek your answers.

Chronic Appendicitis

It is less common when compared to acute appendicitis, and they have relatively milder symptoms. Thus, making it hard to diagnose. The symptoms are similar, but they may keep recurring after a month or two.

Test to Determine Appendicitis

Appendicitis, if left untreated, can rupture, leading to fatal complications. Thus, you need to consult with a renowned hospital in Kolkata for appendix. The doctor may ask you to go through a blood test as a preliminary test, which will confirm the presence of infection in your body. If a condition is detected, you also may have to go through an imaging scan. 

  • Computed tomography (CT): The scans reveal a cross-sections image of the body’s internal organs. 
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The scan produces elaborated images of the abdominal organs.
  • Ultrasonography (USG): An abdominal ultrasound shows the condition of organs.

If any of these test results depict the signs of blockage, or inflammation or chances of organ rupture, immediate treatment is suggested.

What is the Treatment?

Appendicitis treatment typically requires an operation to extract the infected appendix. But, in some cases, you can get cured with antibiotics for mild appendicitis. But, there are two conditions: 

Condition 1: If the appendix hasn’t ruptured yet

Surgery is the only process that can prevent that rupture, keep the infection intact, and stop it from spreading. Prior to the surgery, the patient is injected with intravenous (IV) antibiotics to block the infection. 

Condition 2: If the appendix has ruptured

If your doctor determines that the appendix can rupture at any moment or has already ruptured, then surgery is the only process to treat the disease. Appendectomy is mainly done through laparoscopy because it involves minimally invasive and less pain. 

Prevention

You cannot prevent appendicitis, but you can definitely reduce its chances of developing. Try to include a fiber-rich diet in your daily routine. Your palate must include lentils, beans, legumes, whole wheat, vegetable fruits and enough water. 

Appendicitis can be prevented through a thorough health check-up from a hospital in Kolkata for appendix. At ILS Hospitals, you get to meet world-class treatment facilities and doctors.