Appendicitis is a pretty common disease, and more than 17 million people are affected by it around the world. Yet, we know so little about this health problem. What are the early signs of appendicitis? Can obesity cause appendicitis? Can you die from appendicitis? Let’s find out everything you need to know about this condition in this health blog.
Even though there is little understanding about the purpose of the appendix, we do know that appendicitis is a dangerous condition. An appendectomy is a procedure performed by a surgeon to remove the appendix. If you believe you or someone you know has appendicitis, click to consult a general surgeon for less than 400/- PKR now!
Early signs of Appendicitis
Appendicitis occurs when the inside of the appendix becomes clogged. It can be caused by a variety of disorders in your digestive tract, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
You may experience the following signs and symptoms if you have appendicitis:
- Sudden pain on the right side of the lower abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Gas
- Sudden discomfort around the belly that often transfers to the lower right abdomen
- Low-grade fever
- Pain that intensifies when you cough, walk or make other abrupt motions
The site of your pain may vary, depending on your age and the position of your appendix. When you’re pregnant, the pain may seem to come from your upper abdomen because your appendix is higher during pregnancy.
If you have noticed any of the symptoms of appendicitis given above, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor. You can consult with the Best Medical Specialists in Pakistan for as low as 400/- PKR via Marham.
Diagnosis of Appendicitis
Appendicitis is usually diagnosed by doing a physical examination and other laboratory tests, for example:
- Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to look for indicators of illness, such as a high white blood cell count.
- Urine tests: To determine whether you have a urinary tract infection.
- Abdominal ultrasound: This allows the doctor to observe inside organs as they operate and examines how blood flows via various blood veins.
- CT scan: Provides comprehensive pictures of any portion of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
- MRI: It is sometimes used instead of a CT scan to detect appendicitis, especially in pregnant women.
If your doctor has recommended you to get a blood or urine test, click here to get 20% off on all tests by booking your lab test via Marham!
Risk Factors for Appendicitis
According to research and data, some risk factors for developing appendicitis include the following:
Being Young
Scientists have noticed that the majority of cases of appendicitis occur in young people. If you are a teenager or a young adult, you are more likely to develop appendicitis than an older adult.
Having Digestive Issues
People who have digestive issues like IBS (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome), Ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease are more at risk of developing appendicitis.
Family History
Having a parent or a grandparent with a history of appendicitis puts them at higher risk of getting this condition. Research has also found that heredity plays a significant role in causing appendicitis in children.
So, Can Obesity Cause Appendicitis?
According to research and current data, there is no evidence to suggest that obesity can cause appendicitis. However, people who are overweight or obese and have a family history of appendicitis are at the risk of developing this condition.
Potential Causes of Appendicitis
Even though the cause of this condition is unclear, some possible reasons for the development of appendicitis can be:
- Infection of the digestive system.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Growths within the appendix
- Trauma or damage to the abdomen.
- Blockage at the junction of the appendix and the intestines.
Treatment
The majority of people with appendicitis require an appendectomy. It is used to remove a diseased appendix. If the appendix hasn’t ruptured yet, surgery stops it from doing so and protects the infection from spreading.
Consult Dr. Haseeb Ahmed – General Surgeon
Dr. Haseeb Ahmed is a qualified general surgeon registered on Marham and has over nine years of experience in this field. Having a patient satisfaction rate of 100% and more than 45 positive reviews, he can provide you with the best advice on any health-related issue. Don’t miss the golden opportunity to consult with Dr. Haseeb Ahmed in just 400/- PKR via Marham. Call the Marham Helpline: 0311-1222398 now!
Can’t Find the App?
| Android | IOS |
|---|---|
 |
 |
FAQs
1. What can trigger appendicitis?
Appendicitis can be triggered by constipation, bacterial and viral infection, or any other problem in the digestive tract.
2. What are the early warning signs of appendicitis?
Pain in the stomach, mainly in the upper section or in the lower right area, is an indication of appendicitis.
3. How long can appendicitis last?
The symptoms of appendicitis can last for up to 5 days before it ruptures. But the time and severity are different in every case.