Acute appendicitis

Acute Appendicitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix. It is a type of abdominal pain and is considered a surgical emergency.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of acute appendicitis is abdominal pain. The pain typically begins near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Causes

Acute appendicitis is caused by a blockage in the lining of the appendix. This blockage can be due to a build-up of thick mucus within the appendix or to stool that enters the appendix from the cecum. The blockage leads to increased pressure, impaired blood flow, and inflammation. If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can rupture and spread infection into the abdomen.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acute appendicitis can be challenging. Doctors typically use a physical examination, lab tests, and imaging tests to make a diagnosis. A computed tomography (CT) scan is often used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The standard treatment for acute appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix, a procedure known as an appendectomy. In some cases, a course of antibiotics may be used to treat appendicitis, but this is less common.

Prognosis

With prompt treatment, most people recover from acute appendicitis without complications. However, if treatment is delayed or the appendix ruptures, complications can occur, including a pocket of pus (an abscess) or a widespread infection in the abdomen (peritonitis).

See also

• Abdominal pain
• Appendectomy
• Peritonitis