You are quite familiar with the name of the appendix. And you wonder how is it possible to survive after removing this part of the body? In this article, you will get a brief introduction to the appendix and appendicitis. Spare your 3 minutes and be aware of the signs and symptoms of appendicitis.
The appendix is a protruding tube-like structure in your large intestine at the right side of your abdomen. It is basically a vestigial organ, which means it has no vital role in your body and you can survive without it.
Appendicitis is a medical condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed due to blockage of the appendix. This obstruction is because of the parasites, mucus, or fecal material. And it leads to infection and swelling of the appendix. The major sign of appendicitis is pain on the right side of the abdomen.
Signs and Symptoms
The major signs and symptoms of appendicitis are;
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal tenderness
- Fever
According to health specialists, the appendix can rupture within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. If you find these types of symptoms, you should immediately rush to the hospital emergency. And you can find the best general surgeon in Lahore through Marham for your surgery.
In infants and toddlers, the pain symptom can not be identified easily. So for that, other symptoms are helpful in ruling out the medical condition.
Diagnosis
Doctors perform a physical examination and take a history of the patient. Fever and painful tender abdomen show the presence of appendicitis.
On the other hand, the CBC report also shows elevated levels of white blood cells due to infection.
Treatment
When appendicitis is confirmed during diagnosis, surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy) is the only solution. Antibiotics are also administered to fight the infection and slow down the inflammation. But ultimately surgery is the only solution.
Complications
If appendicitis is not diagnosed and treated at the right time. The chances of rupturing of the appendix are more. An abscess is formed in this situation and it requires antibiotics and drainage to treat it before surgery. The drain allows the pus to flow out of the abscess and the body.
Recovery after surgery
It depends on the severity of your appendicitis. If the inflammation and infection are more, it may need weeks to recover after surgery. Similarly, in the case of a large abscess, drainage requires more time. And if the inflammation is mild, the patient recovers within days.
With the advancement in medical sciences, laparoscopic techniques make it easier to perform surgery with small incisions. Hence healing time is less in this situation.
It is advisable to visit your nearest hospital emergency as soon as possible if you have symptoms of appendicitis. Because it can be fatal if it is misdiagnosed or mistreated.
Through Marham, you can consult the best general surgeons in Lahore for your general surgeries. They are providing their services both in the private and public sectors.
And if you want to consult your doctor online, download the Marham mobile app or visit the website to find the best general surgeons in Pakistan online.