Appendicitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

The appendix is a small, tube-like mass of tissue that is formed from the extension of the large intestine/colon located in the lower- right abdomen.

This sac-like tissue is medically known as Vermiform Appendix (it means work like appendage)

Appendicitis and Causes

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. In many African countries, it is believed that Appendicitis is caused by the ingestion of small hard particles such as guava seeds and small pebbles of sand.

Though this erroneous theory has led to debate and researches and is false. However, some persons still believe this erroneous theory to date.

Appendicitis of the appendix that leads to the colon/large intestine is blocked by either stool or mucous.

This blockage can lead to the proliferation of the bacteria present in the tissue thus infecting the lining of the appendix and causing inflammation.

If adequate attention is not provided to monitor this development, the inflammation may result in the death of the cells and tissue of the appendix which may rupture or burst, leading to a medical emergency that may require urgent surgical removal.

Function of the Appendix

It has been shown that apart from humans, domestic animals do not possess an appendix. It is however believed that the appendix is a vestigial organ- without any known function.

Researchers have discovered that in the fetus; the appendix appears to contain endocrine cells about the 11th week of development.

These endocrines cells produces various form of amine and peptide hormones (chemical substances) that helps in various biological control and homeostatic mechanism.

Shortly after birth, the appendix accumulates mass of lymphatic tissues which aids in immune function.

The appendix functions as a lymphatic organ, producing immunoglobulin and antibodies which help fight off invading organism thus boosting the body’s immune and inflammatory responses.

The appendix is also packed with good bacteria – normal flora that aids in digestion.

This helps to prevent various digestive disorders and constipation.

During surgery, parts of the appendix tissue can be used to patch part of the damaged intestine.

It can also be used to make a construct for urinary bladder during urinary complications and many more.

Despite the enormous function of the appendix outlined above, some researchers and medical personnel still believe the theory that the appendix is a useless remnant of human evolution. Thus it can be discarded when the need arises.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

The symptoms of appendicitis include the following;

1. Pain in the lower right abdominal region
2. Loss of appetite
3. Vomiting
4. Swollen abdomen
5. Fever
6. Painful urination
7. Severe menstrual cramps
8. Constipation/diarrhea

Read Also; Guava Health Benefits and its Appendix Conspiracy

Diagnosis

If you happen to have any of the above symptoms, please endeavor to see medical personnel for other examination and confirmation.

Further examination may include; rectal examination, CT scan, and ultrasound.

Treatment of Appendicitis

Depending on the severity of the inflammation, appendicitis can be treated in two (2) ways.

However, both ways require a surgical operation. The first surgical operation may be to remove or drain the abscess caused by the inflammation and the other is the removal of the appendix- a medical procedure which is referred to as Appendectomy.

The patient is placed on antibiotics before and after surgical operations are carried out to treat an infection that may/must have occurred.

Appendicitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Raphael Okhueleigbe

Raphael Osas Okhueleigbe is a Blogger, Content creator, Agricultural Economist, Resource manager, and the founder of greener health.

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