Let’s Talk About: Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflamed appendix. It can cause acute (sudden, intense) pain in your lower abdomen. Your appendix is a small, tubular pouch, about the size of a finger, that protrudes from the lower right end of your large intestine. Poop (feces) moving through your large intestine can block or infect your appendix, leading to inflammation. Inflammation causes your appendix to swell, and when it swells, it can burst.

The incidence of appendicitis is approximately 233 per 100,000 population per year, with a lifetime incidence risk ranging from 6.7 to 8.6%. The lifetime incidence of acute appendicitis is 8.6% in males and 6.7% in females.

The exact cause of appendicitis is not always clear but is often linked to a blockage in the appendix caused by hardened stool, infection, or a foreign body. This blockage can lead to bacterial overgrowth, resulting in inflammation and swelling.

Symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain that typically starts near the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Pain may worsen with movement or coughing.

Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy), which can be performed through open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. Timely intervention ensures a full recovery and prevents serious complications.

Reach out to us via WhatsApp or book a consultation at one of our clinics for a more detailed diagnosis if you have further concerns.

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