From the Research
Appendicitis is primarily caused by a blockage of the appendix, which can occur due to various factors such as fecal matter, foreign bodies, or lymphoid tissue enlargement, leading to infection and inflammation. The blockage of the appendix can happen in several ways, including:
- Fecal matter or foreign bodies obstructing the appendix opening
- Lymphoid tissue enlargement, which is common during viral infections
- Tumors or other abnormalities in the appendix As the infection worsens, the appendix becomes swollen and filled with pus, leading to increasing pain and potentially rupture if left untreated 1. Risk factors for appendicitis include:
- Age, with the majority of cases occurring between 10-30 years
- Family history of appendicitis
- Certain gastrointestinal infections The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Pain that begins around the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and abdominal swelling If you experience these symptoms, especially worsening abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention as appendicitis requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications like peritonitis 1. It's worth noting that while fecaliths, which are conglomeration of feces in the appendiceal lumen, were previously thought to be a common cause of appendicitis, recent studies have shown that they are not as strongly associated with the condition as previously believed 2. In terms of diagnosis and management, the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis is based on history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and imaging, with laparoscopic appendectomy remaining the most common treatment, although increasing evidence suggests that broad-spectrum antibiotics may be effective in treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis in some patients 1.